Statement from the Chancellor

Sunday, 5 December 1999

The Council of Adelaide University has supported management's approach to a Review of Biological Sciences, the University's Chancellor, Mr Bruce Webb AM, said today after a special meeting of the Council.

The special meeting was called following a request by four members of Council.

Mr Webb said the Council fully supported the procedures used by the University management in the Review of Biological Sciences.

He said it was critical that students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Science degree and postgraduate science study at Adelaide University understood that these programs would continue to be offered. Suggestions that the Bachelor of Science degree would be cut were completely wrong and there had never been a proposal to this effect.

"The Review of Biological Sciences is intended to strengthen science in all the Faculties in which it is taught at the University and to continue the teaching of students in all science disciplines at the highest standard," he said.

"The Council believes that the management has acted appropriately and we look forward to receiving recommendations on the matter next year in the Review Committee's final report."

No final decisions have been made on changes to any science-related faculties. The Review is in a phase of open consultation.

"The Vice-Chancellor has asked all staff to take the opportunity to comment on the draft report when it becomes available so that relevant aspects can be considered," Mr Webb said.

"Concerns by interested parties may be raised and addressed during this consultation period, and the Council fully supports and encourages the completion of the review consultation process.

"Students will, of course, continue to be able to graduate as Bachelor of Science and as postgraduates in science disciplines at Adelaide University.

"The implementation of decisions made on the basis of the Review's final recommendations will be discussed throughout next year, with the object of any new structures being in place by 2001."

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