UQArchCampaign - Support UQ's Architecture Faculty
The issue
You may be aware that UQ is proposing a major organisational change for the School of Architecture in 2021.
The proposal seeks to create a new academic profile and operating model that can facilitate growth and diversification. If the proposal is approved, all 20 continuing academic positions within the current School of Architecture structure will be disestablished and existing staff will be given the opportunity to apply for one of 18 new positions, 9 of which are nominally Architecture positions and 9 are proposed as Design positions to teach into the new Bachelor of Design and the Master of Urban Design and Development. The School has not shared research or evidence about the viability of the new design programs.
While the proposed timeline appears to allow for adequate teaching coverage in 2021, existing staff are unlikely to be teaching Architecture by the end of next year.
The consequences of such a staff cut with over 500 enrolled students does not appear beneficial nor sustainable for either academic staff or students. The potential loss of architecture staff who offer courses is particularly unsettling for the study body.
The new Bachelor of Design is not replacing either the Bachelor of Architectural Design or Master of Architecture. However, the proposal indicates that the Bachelor of Design and Master of Urban Development and Design will be staffed by 9 academics in its first year.
Why the existing School of Architecture of 500+, and the new Design degrees of considerably less students require the same staffing remains a mystery.
Beyond the numbers, lie the people. The School is comprised of many people who have dedicated their lives to the teaching of Architecture. The absence of clear communication and transparency has shown considerable disrespect for current staff and students and the proposal ignores the contribution that the existing academic body have made to students and the wider architectural community of Brisbane over many years.
With the news that we will loose half the staff, who in many ways make the School what it is, the student body feels the need to act. We fear for the quality of UQ’s architectural education if the major organisational change proceeds in its current form.
Please show your support by signing and circulating the petition.
The issue
You may be aware that UQ is proposing a major organisational change for the School of Architecture in 2021.
The proposal seeks to create a new academic profile and operating model that can facilitate growth and diversification. If the proposal is approved, all 20 continuing academic positions within the current School of Architecture structure will be disestablished and existing staff will be given the opportunity to apply for one of 18 new positions, 9 of which are nominally Architecture positions and 9 are proposed as Design positions to teach into the new Bachelor of Design and the Master of Urban Design and Development. The School has not shared research or evidence about the viability of the new design programs.
While the proposed timeline appears to allow for adequate teaching coverage in 2021, existing staff are unlikely to be teaching Architecture by the end of next year.
The consequences of such a staff cut with over 500 enrolled students does not appear beneficial nor sustainable for either academic staff or students. The potential loss of architecture staff who offer courses is particularly unsettling for the study body.
The new Bachelor of Design is not replacing either the Bachelor of Architectural Design or Master of Architecture. However, the proposal indicates that the Bachelor of Design and Master of Urban Development and Design will be staffed by 9 academics in its first year.
Why the existing School of Architecture of 500+, and the new Design degrees of considerably less students require the same staffing remains a mystery.
Beyond the numbers, lie the people. The School is comprised of many people who have dedicated their lives to the teaching of Architecture. The absence of clear communication and transparency has shown considerable disrespect for current staff and students and the proposal ignores the contribution that the existing academic body have made to students and the wider architectural community of Brisbane over many years.
With the news that we will loose half the staff, who in many ways make the School what it is, the student body feels the need to act. We fear for the quality of UQ’s architectural education if the major organisational change proceeds in its current form.
Please show your support by signing and circulating the petition.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 22 November 2020