Students fear loss of voice on VC selection

Alex de Vos
Students have demanded a say in choosing Deakin’s next top boss, fearing executives are trying to turn the university into a “corporate organisation”.
Deakin University Student Association general secretary Zach Smith said he was “outraged” the school had failed to invite students to vote on Vice Chancellor Sally Walker’s successor.
He believed education authorities were “treating” the university as a corporate organisation, “not as an educational institution with a focus on teaching, learning and student life”.
In 2009, Ms Walker announced her resignation after taking on the top job in 2003.
She is set to stand down in June.
Mr Smith said Deakin had previously appointed a student representative to the selection panel responsible for choosing a Vice Chancellor.
“It’s a standard thing that students are included – it’s not a company, it’s a collegial system.
“As a student at Deakin University, I would be bitterly disappointed at any decision that lacked the involvement of student representatives.”
Mr Smith said the university had “ignored” students’ pleas to be included in the selection process.
He demanded a “transparent” vote.
“DUSA has attempted to confirm the process by which the next Vice Chancellor will be appointed,” he said.
“To date the Chancellor has ignored our communications on numerous occasions.
“They should be up front – there’s no need for this secrecy.”
Mr Smith said students had a range of issues to raise with the Vice Chancellor.
He warned education authorities that excluding students from the selection process would have detrimental effects.
“Students bring unique perspectives and experiences to Vice Chancellor selection panels,” Mr Smith said.
“Student involvement has been a set standard at universities such as Monash, Melbourne and Latrobe University.
“It would be a detriment to the university and the university community not to have this vital input given by a student member.”
Deakin University had not responded to the Independent’s call for comment before the paper went to press.