Macquarie University has finalised a plan proposed in October last year by the Executive Representatives of the Faculty of Arts to cut Croatian, Modern Greek, Italian, and Russian from its language offerings.
A Macquarie University spokesperson confirmed to Honi Soit that the changes will take effect Semester 1 2025 “following a formal consultation period in accordance with our Enterprise Agreements.”
This decision only applies to commencing students. “Continuing students will be able to complete their majors in Croatian Studies, Italian Studies, Modern Greek Studies and Russian Studies,” the spokesperson said.
German Studies was also part of the initial plan but was retained. The University’s success in receiving German Academic Exchange Service grants and its multiple partnerships with German universities likely explains the decision.
The announcement has come despite backlash from students and the communities in Sydney these languages represent.
Multiple change.org petitions were started last November following the announcement to oppose the changes.
The Croatian Studies petition received almost 6,000 signatures and argued that these are languages that are “commonly used in multicultural activities, various industries and translations in Australia.”
Croatian has been taught at Macquarie University for over 40 years and the petition also noted that the University has a “comprehensive library of Croatian publications and books located which provides an important archive”.
A similar petition to save Russian received 1,365 signatures and said that Macquarie “is one of the few universities that has Russian Studies.”
Ally Pitt, an ANU student who is finishing her minor in Russian at Macquarie as an external student told Honi she was disappointed in the decision.
“It feels at odds with the current relevance of Russia in the international sphere and like it undermines our efforts as university students to engage with topical issues and learn about the world in general,” she said.
“The program at Macquarie has been very well run, and our tutors have cultivated an interest in not only language but also Russian and Slavic culture and history among our class.”
Dr Luigi Di Martino, President of Committee of Italians Abroad NSW, expressed a similar sentiment about the Italian cuts, telling Honi: “The decision by Macquarie University to cut its Italian Studies program is a significant blow to the Italian community in Sydney and to the broader goal of promoting cultural diversity and understanding.”
“Language and culture classes play a vital role in connecting communities, fostering cross-cultural communication, and preserving cultural heritage.”
The spokesperson did not provide specific enrolment figures when asked but said “Student enrolment numbers in these four languages have remained consistently low over the past decade.”
Di Martino acknowledged that enrollment numbers were an important factor in determining the viability of programs but said that “it should not be the sole basis for decision-making.”
“Universities are not merely businesses catering to market demands; they are institutions of higher learning with a duty to serve the broader needs of society and the preservation of knowledge.”
The changes are part of a broader pivot by the University towards a new School of Global Studies. The consolidation is expected to cost at least six academic jobs.
In recent years universities across Australia like Swinburne, Sunshine Coast, Western Sydney, and Wollongong have all phased out language courses despite objections from governments and communities.
The Macquarie University NTEU Branch and SRC were contacted for comment.
