The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are planning on merging together to create a university for the future. A forum on the merger was held this week. Here is what students need to know. (Image: Caitlin Menadue)
By Caitlin Menadue | @caitlin.menadue
University of South Australia Vice Chancellor, David Lloyd, spoke at a student forum hosted by USASA President Isaac Solomon surrounding the upcoming university merger.
The university for the future will be named Adelaide University.
Professor Lloyd said the new Adelaide University will be formed from three strategic pillars: teaching and learning, research, and engagement. The new university will have a new act, a new council, a new Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, new combined student body representatives and more.
Should it become official, the new Adelaide University will be the second largest university, in terms of active students, in a single institution nationwide.
Concerns over regional campuses closing were addressed at the forum, as Professor Lloyd said UniSA’s “commitment to regional and rural education” would not be affected by the merger. Until legislation arrives, it is unknown how many campuses from the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will be operational once combined.
Mid-2023 is the final decision point for both universities. The University of South Australia’s final decision will be made on June 27, while the University of Adelaide’s final decision will be made on June 29.
If both universities go ahead with this merger by July 2023, legal and regulatory approvals will be obtained, and a detailed transition plan will commence. By January 2026, the Adelaide University will be operational; the full transition into the new Adelaide University will be in 2030.
Professor Lloyd expanded on what university name students will graduate under.
“If you are graduating pre-2026, you will graduate at the original institution, University of South Australia or University of Adelaide, with the option of using the new future university logo,” he said.
“And if you are graduating post-2026, you will graduate under the name of Adelaide University.”
Professor Lloyd stated that all programs will be reviewed over the long term to ensure the best education to students.
More in-depth details are presented in the combined Vision Statement released by both universities, which is accessible here.
Students, staff and alumni do have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed Adelaide University. Visit UniSA’s ‘Creating a university for the future’ website to provide feedback.
Questions can be emailed to futureuni@unisa.edu.au. Engagement period ends Friday April 21, 2023.