Greek language program to continue at La Trobe

·

Thanks to persistent efforts from the Greek community in Australia, the Greek language program at La Trobe University has been saved and will continue for the next three years. Read the joint press release from the Greek Community of Melbourne and La Trobe University below:

Following a commitment made by the Greek Community of Melbourne to provide both additional funding and assistance in increasing student enrolments, La Trobe University has agreed to continue the teaching of its Greek language program for three years.

The situation will be reviewed after semester 1 census in 2023 and the future of the program will be dependent on whether enrolment targets have been met.

The commitment follows a change proposal shared with staff for consultation on 11 November, as well as feedback from key external stakeholders of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUSS). This change proposal is part of La Trobe’s response to the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the University.

The Greek language program was considered financially unviable because of consistently low enrolments and was proposed for closure from 2022 as part of the change proposal.

Following constructive meetings between La Trobe’s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO and other University senior executives and Mr Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President Greek Community of Melbourne, and other senior figures from the Greek community, the Greek Community of Melbourne has committed to providing $192,000 over three years as well as proactive assistance in ensuring the program reaches a financially viable enrolment target after semester 1 census in 2023.

Photo: La Trobe University

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO warmly welcomed the support from the Greek Community of Melbourne and said he looked forward to continuing a fruitful collaboration to find constructive solutions to enrolments in the Greek language program.

“La Trobe University plays a significant role in providing quality higher education to communities in Melbourne’s north, including the Greek community,” Professor Dewar said.

“It has been pleasing to see such a strong and passionate response to the proposed closure of our Greek language program and that senior leaders from the Greek Community have come to the table to offer positive solutions – both financial and to assist with enrolments — to ensure the program can survive and, hopefully, flourish in the future.”

Mr Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President Greek Community of Melbourne, said, “As the sole provider of a major in Greek Studies in Victoria, it is heartening that an agreement has been reached to save this program.

“The Greek Language is a critical part of our culture. It plays a vital role in strengthening the multicultural and cosmopolitan fabric of Victoria.

Photo: La Trobe University

“A broad coalition of interested persons and groups worked tirelessly with the University to ensure that the Program not only survives but thrives. I am excited about what the future will bring for our Greek language program.

“I thank the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University for being open and honest in their dialogue and workings during this process. Today is an important moment for our community.”

The Very Reverend Father Evmenios Vasilopoulos, Archiepiscopal Vicar for the District of Northcote Victoria said, “The continuation of the La Trobe University Modern Greek programme evidences the sensitivity of La Trobe University towards the broader multicultural community and its nuanced appreciation of language learning, as intrinsic to the promotion and enhancement of cultural diversity within our polyglot state.

“The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and its primate, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios eagerly look forward to an enduring partnership with the University and other key community stakeholders so as to maintain and advance the study of a linguistic corpus that has exercised such a profound influence on the political, cultural and religious development of world civilisation.”

Photo: La Trobe University

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia announced in a press release yesterday that they will be encouraging students to take up Greek language programs through their educational institutions.

The agreement reached today continues a tradition of the Greek community’s commitment to Greek language studies, including through the bequest of Mr Anastassios Vassilogiannis, which supports part of the costs of the program at La Trobe.

The La Trobe University Library continues to house, maintain and make available to the community the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora.

The University also remains committed to providing teaching and research related to Greek culture, history and heritage through the A.D Trendall Research Centre for Ancient Mediterranean Studies and other teaching programs.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

Amaretti: A sweet treat from My Greek Kitchen

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Amaretti (a bitter-sweet flavored macaroon) with The Greek Herald.

The Italian occupation and bombardment of Corfu

In 1923, a year after Mussolini rose to power fascist Italy revealed its expansionist ambitions in the Balkans.

You May Also Like

Renowned Greek clarinetist Petroloukas Halkias passes away

Petroloukas Halkias, the legendary clarinetist and leading figure in the traditional music of Epirus, has died at the age of 90.

Greece’s Defence Minister unveils upgrade for Hellenic Airforce

Greece’s Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias visited the General Directorate for Defense Equipment and Armaments to discuss “Agenda 2030.”

‘What I try to convey with my works is their moral greatness’: Sculptor Nikos Floros

Acclaimed sculptor Nikos Floros speaks to The Greek Herald about his recent exhibition in Sydney, the power of the arts and his future plans.