Students say degrees have been disrupted by University of Wollongong cuts

Matilda Kaylock was starting the third and final year of her international studies degree at the University of Wollongong (UOW) when she learned her language major had been discontinued.

"I contacted my lecturer directly [and] she said that she would no longer be working there as the major had been cut," she said. 

Ms Kaylock was told she would have to complete the unit with a different provider if she wanted to attain her degree.

"I ended up starting second trimester at the University of New England via distance, but I dropped it and decided to discontinue the course entirely," she said.

"Working across multiple universities with different holiday and session times was too challenging."

Last week, during a NSW Upper House inquiry into the university sector, other UOW students gave evidence that suggested Ms Kaylock’s experience was far from unique.

The general secretary of the Wollongong Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA), Hanzel-Jude Pador, told the committee courses in the handbook were "mysteriously cut" after students had enrolled and that "many students" had a similar experience to Ms Kaylock's. 

The university was one of the first in Australia to announce widespread job losses in 2024 due to the federal government's tightening of international student visas. 

Languages, including Japanese and Mandarin, as well as cultural studies and science and technology studies, were all abolished after they were found to be unviable.

In a statement, a UOW spokesperson said some language disciplines were still offered at the university, and rejected claims that students were left unable to complete their degrees as a result of teaching changes.

"Where particular language disciplines have been affected, students are supported through teach-out plans or approved alternatives to meet degree requirements, and no student is required to change degrees as a result," the spokesperson said.

Course cuts 'a serious issue'

But WUSA president Caitlin Veigel told the inquiry there was "an expectation that throughout your entire degree, you will be able to complete those subjects, and I think every student expects that when they accept an offer".

"The fact that this is no longer an option for almost every student at Wollongong is concerning … [and] a serious issue," she said.

The evidence prompted Labor MLC Anthony D’Adams to accuse UOW of "kind of false advertising" — a claim the university has "strongly rejected".

Student fee allocation

The union also alleged a culture of "obstructionist, deceitful and, intimidatory tactics" by university management, saying it had been unable to access the Student Services Amenity Fees (SSAF).

From January 2024, providers who charge a SSAF were legally required to allocate a minimum of 40 per cent of it to democratically elected, student-led organisations.

Ms Veigel said UOW had delayed approving administrative changes the union made to be eligible for SAFF, and would not share its transition plan.

“They've gone around the only democratically led and elected student body on campus and created a new subcommittee that is made up of students to manage SSAF because they don't want to give us control of that money," she said.

The university said the SSAF funding changes were being rolled out over three years under a transition plan, and that student-led organisations like WUSA could, and had, applied for funding.

"Funding recommendations are developed through a student-led subcommittee that includes elected student representatives, and all allocations are published publicly," a UOW spokesperson  said.