Charles Sturt University “Sustainable Futures transformation program” – impact on Wagga Wagga campus

In May 2020, Charles Sturt University announced its Sustainable Futures transformation program “designed to reshape and reposition the university to ensure Charles Sturt delivers excellence”.  Stating that this program “will build on the universities strengths and ensure its future is financially and academically sustainable”.

The primary objectives of the program were outlined as “to:

  • develop an operating model across our courses and campuses that is viable, market responsive and drives academic excellence;

  • ensure financial sustainability and return to a balanced budget by the end of 2021; and

  • deliver advanced higher education and research opportunities for the people of regional Australia, remaining true to our ethos of creating a world worth living in”.

To achieve these objectives, the university advised that it had to “implement an operating model that is structured to meet our needs as a university and those of our communities, delivering distinctive degrees and quality teaching, learning and research”.  Further, it was stated that “All universities are facing significant hardship. At Charles Sturt, we have a decline in revenue of $80 million, the majority of which is associated with our international program. We must act quickly and with purpose to remediate this financial position”.

As an identified important stakeholder to the University, Committee for Wagga was invited to provide feedback on the program.

Michelle Ford