After their latest meeting, AUSA has responded to our messages and are willing to contribute their resources and support to our student open forum.
Invitations have been sent to AUSA and the University of Auckland Provost Valerie Linton to participate in the upcoming student-led fourms discussing the upcoming cuts to course selection. You can read the invitations here:
You can access what students have to say about their small courses on a small site we have put up. We
encourage
you to share it with your friends and colleagues.
That these voices will encourage and support those who will go up to defend these classes behind the closed
doors of the university. You can't imagine what this means for someone who is trying to make a case for
these
courses – particularly when their livelihoods depend on them.
Thank you.
It contains lots of free text boxes to voice your support of small courses and relate their importance to each section
"Kia ora,
We, postgraduate students in the Faculty of Arts, strongly object to and oppose the proposed review and cuts
of
smaller courses.
We find the lack of transparency around this issue to be disrespectful and dismissive, as is the consistent
lack
of communication and good-faith engagement with student concerns.
We are told repeatedly that the University wants to provide a world class education to all its students.
Yet,
over the last few years, the opposite has felt true in practice. Faculty funding has been cut, support and
teaching staff have been overworked and underpaid, smaller departments have been shrunk even further, and
student-driven approaches to learning have been undercut or minimised in favour of models that seem to
prioritise profit over educational outcomes. These proposed cuts fall squarely within this pattern, and yet
go
further by threatening the very things that make the diverse range of programmes on offer worth taking– the
courses themselves.
The proposed cuts of postgraduate courses with under 30 students threatens the bulk of the courses that make
up
postgraduate study in the Arts faculty. Not only this, but it reveals a misunderstanding of the value of
small-course teaching at this (and indeed, any) level of teaching. Many studies have been done that reveal
how
student experience and educational outcomes improve in smaller learning environments; anecdotal evidence
further
supports this idea day-to-day. Indeed, it seems self-evident to state that students learn more effectively
when
teachers can easily connect with students, and students are better able to engage with each other.
Testimonials from students on the value of our smaller courses: 'Most of my undergrad and my postgrad has
been
in smaller courses, both in and outside of Arts. I’ve always found that everyone feels so much more
comfortable
when we’re in a smaller group, and so discussions get off the ground faster and more people share their
opinions. I don’t think I’d have had nearly as good of a uni experience if my classes were all massive.'
'A part-time mature student balancing post-graduate study with full-time mid-career work, I have found the
intimacy of my small group history course integral to revitalising my professional practice. At the heart of
this are the insights and challenges afforded by discussions with both the professor and my classmates,
particularly the perspectives of a younger generation of scholars as we tackle nuanced and complex ideas
together. The sharpened approach I have gained to critical thinking about complex ideas has been directly
applicable to work I am doing this year as my organisation considers its data strategy and the ethical use
of
generative AI tools in the New Zealand public sector context.'
'One of the reasons I was drawn to pursuing postgraduate study at this university was the smaller course
sizes.
Having 200-300 people per course in most of my undergraduate courses was always overwhelming and quite
impersonal. My postgraduate study has been my favourite period of study at the university, as the smaller
class
sizes have enabled my cohort to develop close bonds with each other and with our professional teaching
staff.
These proposed reviews and cuts would severely undermine the quality and appeal of postgraduate study at the
University of Auckland.'
'Small courses are the backbone of this faculty. And this faculty has proven it's worth time and time again
with
high enrolments (high profits). I think it's worth giving us the time of day to hear our views on this
concerning development. All of my courses I have taken as part of my MA have been smaller than 30 people,
and
that has been to my benefit as well as the benefit of my peers. Our courses at present allow us to engage
with
each other, build confidence, and make lasting friendships. This is something that is impossible to achieve
in
larger courses and is half the reason I even chose to do my MA at UoA in the first place. Our best and
brightest
choose to study at the University of Auckland because of its prestige and reputation. We have some of the
best
staff members, some of the most interesting courses, and some of the most passionate students. If the
University
goes ahead with planned cuts, it will lose that prestige and reputation that it prides itself on. It will
undoubtedly lose staff. It will undoubtedly lose students. How can the University say it wants what's best
for
its students when it won't even consult with us? When it won't be upfront and transparent? It's a shameful
way
of going about it, and I hope those in charge take our views to heart. Bring us to the table and give us the
voice we deserve.'
'Small courses have been incredibly valuable to my educational journey, offering far more than just academic
content. These courses, often centred around salient and specialized topics, create an environment that
fosters
deep intellectual engagement and meaningful connections. The more personal setting allows for greater
interaction with both lecturers and peers, enriching the learning experience through collaborative
discussion
and shared insights. In many ways, academia thrives as a community, and small courses are the heart of this
communal spirit. They provide a unique space where ideas can be freely exchanged and relationships can be
built,
reinforcing the collaborative nature of scholarship. The potential loss of these courses would not only
diminish
the richness of the academic experience but also threaten the very sanctity and spirit of the academic
institution.'
'The proposed course cuts would essentially eliminate my entire degree, both at an undergraduate and
postgraduate level. My studies at UoA have been almost entirely composed of small courses, in departments
which
have already been subject to significant funding and course cuts irrespective of the proposed changes. I was
drawn to an Arts degree in my chosen subjects because they are more than just areas of study to me- they are
life-long passions, and have in turn enabled me to find a similarly enthusiastic community of friends and
fellow
scholars within and beyond the university. Under the proposed cuts, the amazing experience I have had
throughout
my time at university would be completely unavailable to future students. Even with some curriculum or
department changes, e.g. merging departments, there is no guarantee class enrolment numbers would meet the
new
thresholds of minimum 60 students for undergrad and 20 for postgrad. Alternatively, if they did, this would
have
detrimental effects on classes which are best suited for smaller numbers, especially in a seminar-style
postgraduate setting which relies on student contributions and discussions. This additionally risks the loss
of
staff who have been inspirations and mentors to me and to countless students, and who are leaders in their
respective academic fields and sub-fields. These cuts are short-sighted, ill-conceived, and would hurt
students
and staff throughout a wide range of subjects; I implore those responsible to reconsider.'
We believe that small courses are the backbone of the tertiary education that we pay for. A course
generating
less than a set number of enrollments does not mean that that course is not essential for the people taking
it.
If it goes ahead, cuts to small courses will have significant negative impacts on the learning outcomes and
experiences of students over the coming years.
We request: That the University is more transparent in its communication and makes an official statement
regarding its current plans for the proposed review and cuts That the University begins official
consultation
with students and staff that takes proper account of concerns and allows for alternative proposals to be
made
That the University explores alternative avenues to address the current budget deficit that will have less
negative impacts on the important diverse course range available."
"Kia ora koutou,
AUSA has been made aware of the recent review of smaller courses at the University, particularly within the
Faculty
of Arts. It was brought to our attention that courses under a certain number of enrolments were potentially
being
scrapped. This, no doubt, causes significant concern for the student body and is something that requires
immediate
attention.
This is a rapidly moving issue and since being made aware of it early this week, we have been engaging with
several
concerned students and student leaders, and also requested an urgent meeting with the University leadership
to
outline our concerns and the concerns of many students.
We have been given reassurances that this “review” does not mean that courses under a certain number of
enrolments
will be automatically scrapped. We have also been given reassurances that the University is committed to
protecting
these smaller majors and disciplines, and wants to maintain its comprehensive offering of courses with
humanities,
and consideration will be given to protecting these programmes and courses. We have also been assured that
students
currently enrolled will not suddenly have to change their majors to accomodate any changes if they arise.
Our
concern was strongly relayed and we also urged the University to ensure that student consultation (both
through
AUSA
and the individual Faculty Student Associations) is a central consideration to any decision-making.
To be clear, AUSA is vehemently opposed to the cutting of smaller courses and will remain a strong advocate
for
the
protection of our smaller disciplines. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, continue to voice
our
concerns, and work to take appropriate action.
We will also continue to keep you updated about any developments that happen in this space. In the meantime,
concerned students can directly reach out to us to provide any feedback, which we will voice to the
University.
Ngā mihi,
AUSA Executive"
Are you happy with this statement and their plan of action? Forward your thoughts to the AUSA.
The following link provides letter templates you can use in your correspondence to UoA leadership. These were prepared by students.
Sorry, the next couple of bits are more relevant to Arts students. An Arts Faculty staff member has suggested we also email the following UoA senior leadership with our feedback: Adrienne Cleland (Deputy VC of Operations), the Faculty of Arts Dean (Greg Booth), and Deputy Dean (Lindsey Diggelmann). According to the UoA Arts Instagram page Deputy Dean Lindsey Diggelmann is holding a Student Voice morning tea next Tuesday (13/08/24) in the B201 Learning Lounge to have a "casual chat... and share your experience as a BA student!" I will be attending to put some pointed questions to him and it would be great if others come along to do the same. Go to the Instagram post for more details and to find out how to register for the event.
This form is a student initiative, not associated with the AUSA or the UoA. Responses to this form will be collated and forwarded to the AUSA and UoA. Please forward the link to those in your courses. Graduates are welcome to provide feedback via this form as well.
I had a meeting with the AUSA today. They received some information this morning from the UoA, as
part of a routine Student Consultative Meeting, but after reading the excerpt below and the feedback
received
from
students thus far, they have identified inconsistencies in the information provided in the SCM meeting and
the
email
sent to staff. The AUSA has requested a meeting with the Provost to get clarification as to what the UoA is
actually
planning to do and what this "set of pre-determined criteria" is. A decision will be made as a result of the
meeting
as to what action the AUSA will take as a result. They will update me and I will update you.
In the meantime, continue to send feedback to your class reps., to the AUSA, or directly to the UoA.
The feedback deadline can be disregarded as it relates to a staff meeting being held on Wednesday.
At this stage there are approximately 50 courses that meet the under 60 criteria and could potentially be
cut!
I am a class rep. for a small course and received this email from a staff member today -
"Yesterday staff got an email from the Acting Dean saying that the university’s leadership is asking for
much
more
drastic action.
This is an excerpt from that communication:
In brief, CFT and University leadership through PDDC (the Provost, Deans and Directors Committee) have
presented
plans for the accelerated “Optimisation” or “Rationalisation” of courses and programmes across the
institution.
This
has significant implications for what we do.... All Faculties have been asked to review all small courses
and
programmes with the expectation that some cuts will be made, based on a set of pre-determined criteria.
Undergraduate courses with enrolments below 60 are “in scope”. (Concurrently taught Stage 2/3 courses count
as
one.)
Small postgraduate courses and programmes are also under review. This does not mean that all small courses
will
automatically be cut, but it does mean that we need to think innovatively about how to reshape our curricula
so
that
we offer fewer courses in a given year. We must act extremely quickly to reduce the number of courses we are
teaching, certainly for 2026; but if disciplines wish to review 2025 offerings with a view to making
reductions,
this will be viewed favourably. We understand that this only adds to the general level of uncertainty that
we
all
face at the moment. We are assured by University leadership that this initiative is driven entirely by
curriculum
priorities, timetabling difficulties and workload concerns, and is in no way intended as a means of reducing
staff.
As we have said throughout this process, our own focus within the Faculty has been to protect subjects and
to
protect jobs, and we will continue to do the best we can to meet those goals.
...We don't have much detail about how it will be actioned or what criteria will be used to protect subjects
and
courses with small enrolments, but we are committed to protecting the academic integrity of the programmes
we
offer
as far as possible within the institutional directives."
Talk to your class reps. and start drafting feedback!