UTS to consider expanded campus options for Kuring-gai

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UTS to consider expanded campus options for Kuring-gai


The University of Technology, Sydney is launching the consultation phase of its investigations into alternative educational options for its Lindfield campus. Local residents and the media were advised last year that the University would roll out concurrent processes to assess both non-educational uses of the site and the potential for significantly boosting the number of students at the campus. The first process that commenced in 2003 is continuing. An application to have the campus site rezoned is currently with Ku ring-gai Council. Local residents and community groups directly contributed to the process by providing input that has resulted in an application for rezoning which addresses key environmental, heritage and planning issues. According to UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Ross Milbourne change must take place at the campus to ensure UTS continues to provide all its students with the best possible services and learning experiences. "It is necessary for us to understand and consider all the possibilities for the campus' long-term future success," Professor Milbourne said. " A full range of educational options will be considered." "This investigation is being guided by the University's Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Richard Johnstone who, with a team, will invite and review submissions proposing alternative educational uses of the site." "At this stage, the outcome is unknown - it will be an extensive consultation process to assess educational opportunities that will involve both internal and external stakeholders." Professor Milbourne said that a significant increase in international students from many parts of the globe with requisite on-campus accommodation could be features of an expanded Lindfield campus. "Changes in the educational profile of the campus, with a different mix of offerings, could also be on the cards and might include a number of dedicated centres of research," he said. There could be a partial sell-off of assets at the site for use by other education providers or parts of the campus might be leased, he added. "UTS is committed to the disciplines that are currently taught at the campus and this will remain regardless of how the campus might be transformed in future. It is unlikely there would be any major changes before 2008. "The final decision on the future use of the Lindfield campus will be determined by the UTS Council and only after it has been fully briefed on a course of action that will best serve the students of the University." Thursday 30 September 2004