The University of Queensland’s Information and Technology Services (ITS) division has released an issues paper designed to improve service delivery, limit costs and invest more in the student experience.
UQ ITS Director Rob Moffatt said the division needed to focus on harnessing economies of scale and embracing cloud technologies to reduce operating costs.
“Improved technology and IT service delivery means there’s an opportunity to consolidate areas across ITS and to direct efforts and investment in IT capability enhancement,” he said.
“This means ITS staff can focus their attention on supporting the University’s key aims, such as an improved student experience and better support and resourcing for our academic staff.”
“It’s important to balance our slowing revenue growth against the growth of our operating costs, which is especially challenging as government investment in higher education is shrinking.”
Mr Moffatt said there would be a reduction in staff numbers as a result of the restructure.
“This is a difficult process for all involved, and staff will be informed and supported throughout,” he said.
“There will be a range of workshops and consultation sessions available for staff, and we will keep the lines of communication open and transparent during this process.”
The issues paper proposes to reduce staff numbers by about 14 per cent before the end of 2017, following an internal review into the division and IT delivery generally across the University.
“Across UQ, we’ve seen our professional staff numbers grow while the number of academic staff has declined,” Mr Moffatt said.
“As we saw with the Finance and Human Resources teams earlier this week, departments across UQ are taking similar action to ensure our resources are invested in students.”
The full issues paper has been made available to affected staff. UQ staff will take part in a three week consultation period, ending on 7 October. It is expected that a formal proposal will be released on 17 October, followed by a further consideration period.
Media: UQ Communications; communications@uq.edu.au, 07 3346 0561.
