Charles Sturt University today rejected the resolution proposal received from the Out of Order Collective student protest with regard to the School of Communication.

The University is not able to accept the students’ proposals as they would require it to breach important academic quality assurance and governance procedures of the University. 

The proposals included demands for a new curriculum in the School of Communication; the restoration of a previously deleted course; and the reversal of the University’s decision to reduce the general staff in the School of Communication.

In response the University has pointed out: 

• Course curriculum cannot be accepted until it has passed through, and been accepted by, the established quality assurance processes for course approval - course committee, Faculty Board and Academic Programs Committee of Senate and Academic Senate. 
• The decision to close the BA Communication - Online Media Production course was taken following extensive consideration of the short and long term impact on the School of Communication, and the University stands by its decision. 
• Decisions in respect to staffing are made within established Human Resources policies and in consultation with unions in accordance with relevant Enterprise Agreements. The general staff reduction in the School of Communication adhered to these policies. 

For more than 65 days the University has demonstrated a high level of tolerance and duty of care towards the students who have been protesting on the Bathurst Campus, forming the Out of Order Collective. The University has with a sense of due diligence and equity, respected the right of the students to demonstrate and voice their concerns at the above changes. 

The University will work through its governance processes, to bring the Bathurst Campus back to normal operation.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter reiterated the need to assure people of the secure position of the School of Communication in the University, stating:

•  The School of Communication has a strong and secure future as a flagship School of the University.
• The Newsroom facility will continue as an integral part of the School with funding embedded in School budget. 
• The Media Centre will continue as an integral part of the School.
• External advice is being sought on the curriculum of the School’s courses.
• The level of technical staff support to the School is the highest in the Faculty of Arts and equates to one technical staff member per 3.8 academic staff.
• The 6.5 general staff in the School hold permanent staff positions.
• The University is actively seeking a new Head of the School at professorial level.
• Two academic staff positions will be dedicated to working in the production areas of new media and broadcast journalism.

Professor Ian Goulter said, the School’s high regard and standing in the industry has always been a lead consideration in decisions taken by the University. 

He said the University must continue to move forward as an institution ensuring that all students can access the quality education and career path of their choice.