OPERATIONS - Stage 1 - External contributors

Consultation has concluded

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has commenced the next stage of workplace change consultation with staff following the release of the UOW Operations Draft Change Proposal.

Like many universities, UOW is facing significant financial challenges, in part due to the Australian Government’s changes to visa processing and migration policy and a sharp reduction in international student numbers. As a result, UOW suffered a $35 million drop in revenue in 2024, with ongoing impacts forecast for 2025.

The University has a clear ongoing need to reduce recurrent costs and to improve the effectiveness of its services and operations more broadly. The University must address its escalating cost base and reduce recurrent expenditure by approximately an additional $30 million, and this process will contribute to that objective.

To do this, the University is proposing to re-design its organisational structure to enable UOW to grow sustainably, amplify our impact and deliver exceptional outcomes for our students, staff and communities. Staff who are potentially affected by this phase of workplace change have been notified directly and will participate in briefings. Staff are also being provided with personalised, professional, and confidential support through the University’s Employee Assistance Program provider, TELUS Health.

The consultation process is being conducted in alignment with the requirements of the University’s enterprise agreements. No final decisions have been made. For areas that are in scope, voluntary redundancies will be considered.

It is anticipated that the Final Change Plan will be released on 23 July.

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has commenced the next stage of workplace change consultation with staff following the release of the UOW Operations Draft Change Proposal.

Like many universities, UOW is facing significant financial challenges, in part due to the Australian Government’s changes to visa processing and migration policy and a sharp reduction in international student numbers. As a result, UOW suffered a $35 million drop in revenue in 2024, with ongoing impacts forecast for 2025.

The University has a clear ongoing need to reduce recurrent costs and to improve the effectiveness of its services and operations more broadly. The University must address its escalating cost base and reduce recurrent expenditure by approximately an additional $30 million, and this process will contribute to that objective.

To do this, the University is proposing to re-design its organisational structure to enable UOW to grow sustainably, amplify our impact and deliver exceptional outcomes for our students, staff and communities. Staff who are potentially affected by this phase of workplace change have been notified directly and will participate in briefings. Staff are also being provided with personalised, professional, and confidential support through the University’s Employee Assistance Program provider, TELUS Health.

The consultation process is being conducted in alignment with the requirements of the University’s enterprise agreements. No final decisions have been made. For areas that are in scope, voluntary redundancies will be considered.

It is anticipated that the Final Change Plan will be released on 23 July.

  • UOW Workplace Change - Draft Change Proposal

    The University of Wollongong (UOW) has commenced the next stage of workplace change consultation with staff following the release of the UOW Operations Draft Change Proposal.

    Like many universities, UOW is facing significant financial challenges, in part due to the Australian Government’s changes to visa processing and migration policy and a sharp reduction in international student numbers. As a result, UOW suffered a $35 million drop in revenue in 2024, with ongoing impacts forecast for 2025.

    The University has a clear ongoing need to reduce recurrent costs and to improve the effectiveness of its services and operations more broadly. The University must address its escalating cost base and reduce recurrent expenditure by approximately an additional $30 million, and this process will contribute to that objective.

    To do this, the University is proposing to re-design its organisational structure to enable UOW to grow sustainably, amplify our impact and deliver exceptional outcomes for our students, staff and communities. Staff who are potentially affected by this phase of workplace change have been notified directly and will participate in briefings. Staff are also being provided with personalised, professional, and confidential support through the University’s Employee Assistance Program provider, TELUS Health.

    The consultation process is being conducted in alignment with the requirements of the University’s enterprise agreements. No final decisions have been made. For areas that are in scope, voluntary redundancies will be considered.

    It is anticipated that the Final Change Plan will be released on 23 July.

    Feedback from external stakeholders

    UOW values feedback from external stakeholders regarding the UOW Operations workplace change process. 

    The University is dedicated to consulting with staff and their representatives in line with the Managing Change provisions in the Enterprise Agreements. As part of this process, UOW will also carefully consider input from external stakeholders.

    Please ensure that comments remain appropriate, as those containing inappropriate language will be removed. You may upload one document per submission.

    Consultation has concluded