However, the Union believes that the proposal raises a number of questions that must be addressed, not least among them the question of what the ALP plans to do to ensure quality of education both on and off campus. This model is constructive in that it proposes a framework for universities to cooperate with each other and with industry, rather than just competing against each other for market share. This initiative offers support for cooperation and sharing of resources. Places must be adequately funded and on-campus infrastructure maintained if this proposal is to deliver good outcomes. Students particularly those in regional areas - will need reliable Internet access and access to computing facilities.
Research shows that undergraduate students achieve better outcomes with on campus delivery.
Therefore, substantial resources will need to be invested in supporting students and facilitating interaction with their teachers and peers. Mr McCulloch said that the Union would need more detail before it could endorse the proposal. And, of course, we want to know what the ALP plans to do to address the crisis in on-campus infrastructure and salary costs across the board.