By ANEEKA SIMONIS
VICTORIA University (VU) is in the running for the take over of Monash University’s Berwick campus.
A Monash University spokesperson said they would expect to have a better idea about the future of the campus in the coming months.
“A firm proposal is not expected until the second half of 2015,” the spokesperson said.
Accordingly, any time after 1 July (a fortnight) a “firm proposal” could be made to Monash University for the take over of the Berwick campus.
The tertiary education provider admitted to holding recent discussions with representatives of the 2000-strong student campus, and faced a barrage of questions of uncertainty following news the provider may withdraw from the south-east facility.
“VU has held preliminary discussions with various parties regarding a possible presence in the southeast of Melbourne,” a VU spokeswoman said.
“No decision has been made, and any venture would only proceed if there were clear benefits for the students and the community southeast of Melbourne, and after widespread consultation with all parties.”
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) alleged VU may be poised to pour several million dollars into assessing the viability of a potential take-over.
“Tertiary education participation in Melbourne’s southeast lags behind other areas of Victoria,” the Monash University spokesperson said.
“Monash is discussing options to enhance provision of opportunities in the southeast, including at Berwick, with other providers who could offer courses aligned to the needs of students in the area.
“No final decisions have been made, and consultation with stakeholders including staff and students would be undertaken before there were.
A union petition entitled, ‘Monash Berwick: What’s our future?’ was launched just over a month ago, and has already gained over 550 signatures.
It urged Monash University Vice-Chancellor Margaret Gardner to confirm or deny plans to sell the Berwick campus.
Questions surrounding job security at the campus have been quashed by Monash University.
“Regardless of what might be proposed in the future, all Monash Berwick students will continue to be taught by Monash staff and, subject to meeting the normal requirements, graduate with a Monash degree,” the spokesperson said.
“As Monash would not expect to lose any student load under any acceptable proposal, Berwick staff would continue to be needed and no reductions in staff numbers would be expected.”
