On 11 November, La Trobe University shared a change program for consultation with staff in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUSS).
These changes are part of the University’s response to the profound financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the University. The University faces a significant revenue loss, largely caused by the significant drop in international student enrolment because of international border closures. The University’s two-year (2020 and 2021) revenue shortfall forecast is between $265m – $335m.
All areas of the University have been required to deliver business plans outlining how they will implement the University’s new Strategic Plan, while contributing to the savings required to deliver a balanced budget for the University in 2020 and 2021 and return it to growth in 2022.
The School of HUSS has reviewed its course and subject portfolios as part of this business planning process and, where courses and subjects have experienced consistently low enrolments and are financially unsustainable, a small number are proposed for closure.
Market demand and student enrolments for Greek Studies have been consistently low for many years. While we have appreciated some external funding support, it is important that our courses and subjects are self-sustaining and respond to student demand.
Accordingly, a change proposal has been released which, subject to the outcomes of staff consultation, may regrettably result in La Trobe closing the teaching of our Greek Studies program from 2022.
All current students on the program will have the opportunity to complete their degrees and will be supported in the transition.
The La Trobe University Library will continue to house and maintain the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora.
The University also remains committed to the A.D Trendall Research Centre for Ancient Mediterranean Studies.
