Next phase of Financial Recovery Program
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has launched the next phase of the AUT Financial Recovery Programme announced in September.
This includes professional staff in central divisions of the University. A series of proposals for organisational change may result in 36 non-academic staff being made redundant. In addition, 24 currently vacant roles are proposed for disestablishment. The consultation period for the proposals has been extended to eight weeks in recognition of the summer holiday period.
Addressing staff, Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa noted that neither he, nor the University’s leadership team, wished to make staff redundant.
“The AUT Financial Recovery Programme is essential for the sustainability of our university and our ability to deliver to our students, partners, and communities.
“AUT’s mission is to enable everyone with academic potential to succeed through our commitment to excellence and equity in education and research for the benefit of individuals, the communities we serve, Aotearoa NZ and the planet. To deliver on this mission, AUT must remain financially sustainable,” he said.
AUT’s financial fundamentals remain strong, however recent national impacts have made it necessary to address short to medium term budget issues.
Student numbers have continued to decline following the COVID-19 pandemic, and government funding and fees increases are not keeping pace with inflation, while salary costs – the University’s largest expenditure – have continued to increase.
The timing of the proposals was signalled during the programme launch in September and the consultation period for staff feedback has been extended in recognition of the summer holiday period. Timing is in order to provide as much clarity as possible for as many staff as possible.