Students welcome Dean’s resignation

BY LUCAS BAIRD

Students from the Sydney College of the Arts have welcomed the resignation of their Dean, Collin Rhodes, after a month long occupation of the Rozelle Campus.

Mr Rhodes stepped down last week amid student pressure stemming from the decision to move the SCA from the Rozelle Campus to the main University of Sydney Campus in Camperdown.

The decision prompted what has become a month long occupation of the main administrative building and the issuing of five separate demands to the University on behalf of the students.

The first on the list of the demands was the resignation of Mr Rhodes and the students have claimed that the University is starting to cede to their demands.

“We welcome the news of the removal of Colin Rhodes as Dean of the SCA. It is an indication that the University is buckling under the pressure of our campaign and the broad support it has won,” said one occupier, Juanel de la Forêt.

However, a spokesperson for the University of Sydney has said that this is “absolutely not” an example of the University bending to the will of the protesters.

“Professor Rhodes is the longest serving Dean of any currently at the University, having served more than ten years in the role. His period as Dean was due to end this year and he will continue his association with the University as an Honorary Professor after a period of leave,” they said.

“The University supports the student’s right to protest peacefully, but its plans for the SCA will remain unchanged except through formal channels of consultation. Occupations can in no way be considered as a formal channel of consultation.”

The University of Sydney has appointed Margaret Harris to take up the role of Acting Dean of the SCA; a position she previously held from 2000 to 2002.

“Margaret knows the SCA well having led it at various times during the period from 2000 to 2002,” said University of Sydney Provost, Stephen Garton. “The change in leadership at this time makes sense for all.”

Though, the occupiers have issued their displeasure at this new appointment. They said that an elected representative council made up of students and staff would be best be suited to head the SCA; they also demanded that Mr Garton resign as well.

“The USYD executive can clearly not be trusted with the interests of students and staff, and unless they see reason and meet our demands they will be the next casualties,” LET SCA STAY said in a media statement.