Further Action on College of Arts Redundancies Deferred

From an email sent to members today:

Yesterday Professor Strongman, PVC, told staff that the College of Arts has deferred further action on redundancies, following the conclusion of the voluntary severance process, until next year.

He said the college would be in a better position next year to factor in student enrolments in 2006 when they revisit the decision.

AUS would like to thank all members who participated in the anti-cuts campaign to date and the students from "Save our Staff" who collected a petition opposing the cuts.

The College states the decision to defer will "provide the opportunity for further analysis of the impact of potential changes on [the] academic programme".

AUS members were deeply concerned about the threat to programmes and the potential of long- term damage to the humanities and social sciences at Canterbury.

When the issue is revisited next year, the process of consultation as outlined in the collective agreement will be the starting point.

We wish our members in the College of Arts a happier conclusion to the academic year. Time for a cup of tea!

The AUS Branch Committee.