The University of Queensland is considering a formal proposal to strengthen the delivery of its communication programs by bringing together Humanities and Social Sciences academic staff who teach or research communication into a single unit.
The formal proposal was presented to affected staff today for consideration.
If approved by the University’s Senior Executive, the School of Journalism and Communication would be disestablished in January 2015 and its staff moved into the new entity, which could be called the School of Communication and Arts.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Executive Dean Professor Tim Dunne stressed that current degree programs, including journalism, would not be withdrawn as a result of the proposal, as all current programs and courses would move to the new school.
“The formal proposal is the result of widespread internal and industry consultation to examine how communication should be delivered at UQ to give students the best learning experience and enhance graduate outcomes,” Professor Dunne said.
He said an industry advisory panel would be established to seek further industry input into course content and help students gain employment, while a research working group would develop research strengths.
“The communications industry has been undergoing seismic change in recent decades with new subsets emerging in science communication as well as in digital, new media and big data,” Professor Dunne said.
“The study of communication includes writing, literature, drama, art history, communication and social change, journalism, film and TV, and media and cultural studies.
“The interdisciplinary approach we want to achieve will be good for students and researchers. It should create greater capacity at UQ in the visual, textual, performance and digital communication fields of study.”
Staff and unions will next consider the proposal as part of the University’s enterprise bargaining agreement change management process.
The proposal includes changes to the professional staff structure to prevent duplication of roles. There will be two new, and two disestablished professional staff positions.
The faculty will ensure minimal effect on staff in implementation, if the proposal is rolled out.
The new school will operate across three buildings at St Lucia: the Michie Building, the Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio and the Joyce Ackroyd Building. Staff are expected to discuss the best accommodation arrangements in coming months.
The Centre for Communication for Social Change that is currently part of the School of Journalism and Communication will also become part of the new unit.
Degree programs related to communication currently taught at the schools are:
• Bachelor of Communication
• Bachelor of Journalism
• Several BA majors: Mass Communication and Journalism, Media, Communication and Culture, Film and Television, English, and Writing
• Master of Communication
• Master of Arts in Writing, Editing and Publishing
• Master of Journalism
• Master of Philosophy in Creative Writing
Media: Senior Communications Officer Katie Rowney, 3365 3439, katie.rowney@uq.edu.au
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