Some University of Otago Design Studies students are distressed about how they were treated in the lead-up to the decision to close the Department.
Although a silent protest did not change the outcome of the Senate meeting last week which voted to disestablish the Department, third-year Design students Andrew Jacombs and Gillian McCarthy maintain that the protest was still worthwhile. “It was important to show a stand against it,” McCarthy says.
OUSA President Geoghegan remarked that the protest had a good effect, even though it didn’t achieve what was intended.
In an interview with Critic prior to the Senate meeting, Pro Vice Chancellor of Sciences Keith Hunter said, “I can give [Design students] an absolute guarantee, any students enrolled in the system including those who enrolled this year, they’ll be able to complete their degree just as if nothing happened.”
Students were again assured that they would be able to complete their degrees that they are currently enrolled in during an address from Hunter last week, as long as students do so in “reasonable timeframe.” However. Hunter added, somewhat contradictorily: “I can’t promise that all of the papers on offer at the moment will be there in the future.”
No changes to Design Studies will occur next semester, although Hunter hopes to have changes underway by the first semester of 2011. The proposed changes are long-term, and thus a transition period will be necessary. The University of Otago will still offer Design Studies as a minor, although the course itself is yet to be determined. Otago Polytechnic staff may be asked to temporarily lecture at the University if the Department is short of staff.
Hunter is taking steps to ensure student voices are heard, at least from this point onwards. “A working group has now been set up comprising myself, staff members of the divisional office, four senior Design Studies staff, and three DESI/DETE students nominated by Harriet Geoghegan, President of OUSA.” Students are encouraged to write in to Hunter with their thoughts.
Geoghegan adds, “Students are an important part of the University … students affected by a proposal should be consulted with.”
After The Dust Has Settled.
