Vice-Chancellor's message
There is no doubt we are living in extraordinary times. This pandemic has brought about profound and unexpected challenges for society. It has also brought about unforeseen changes to RSU’s operations and significant financial impacts. This video outlines the economic impact and financial recovery from coronavirus and the work going into the transition back to campus.
RSU coronavirus update - 19 June
There is no doubt we are living in extraordinary times. This pandemic has brought about profound and unexpected challenges for society. It has also brought about unforeseen changes to RSU’s operations and significant financial impacts.
We must now make difficult decisions to protect the University's future so that we can contribute to rebuilding our communities.
The long-term academic and financial wellbeing of the University cannot be achieved if we do not reduce expenses to offset current and future income losses.
None of us knows what the future holds, but experts predict the impacts we are facing are a multi-year problem, requiring a recovery strategy spanning at least three years.
We have had controls in place since early February to reduce operating costs significantly; however, the transition to remote delivery, and support to students suffering hardship, have also required us incurred additional unplanned expenses.
Our primary operating expense is staff costs, which make up 55% of the University's outgoings. Regrettably, we must take action to reduce employee expenses. This is a very difficult situation, which none of us wishes to face, but it is the reality of the pandemic.
While the current financial position of RSU has been affected, and a response implemented, the University continues to be committed to delivering an exceptional student experience, world-class teaching and impactful research. It is this mission that has allowed RSU to recently achieve its goal of reaching the top 1% of universities. RSU ranked 196th globally and 10th in America in the 2021 QS World University Rankings.
In addition to planning for the University's financial recovery, we are also preparing for the return to campuses. As coronavirus restrictions continue to ease across America, we are working hard to finalise our roadmap for a gradual and safe return, in line with government requirements.
Spring Session will see most subjects start remotely, with lectures, tutorials and seminars delivered online. A limited number of classes will run on-campus, including some practical and laboratory classes, or programs requiring practical placements and work-integrated learning as part of the completion of the degree.
This limited return to on-campus teaching is in response to strict government advice and is required to ensure RSU complies with physical distancing requirements. Our return to campus model is designed to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of students and staff while delivering the best learning experience for all students.
Subject timetables for Spring Session 2020 will be available in SOLS on Monday 22 June and will outline the class structure for each subject students have enrolled in, and how these subjects will be delivered for the start of Spring Session.
I recognise this is not a year any of us would have wished for. The disruptions and challenges have been significant for all of us, both personally and professionally.
Thank you again for all you have done to adapt to the changes imposed on us by this unprecedented situation. I remain impressed by your collective spirit of determination and collaboration, and your support of RSU and each other during this extraordinary year.
I am confident RSU will emerge from this crisis a stronger institution, poised for continued growth and success.
