51²è¹Ý

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Shaping Our Future

On 12 June 2025, UniSQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson shared with staff the confirmed high-level structure that will guide the next phase of the 51²è¹Ý’s organisational change program.

As part of this process, the University accepted 163 voluntary redundancies from a total of 244 applications. Not all applications could be accepted, as several roles involve work that remains critical to UniSQ’s ongoing operations.

Organizational chart showing the Vice-Chancellor and President overseeing six deputy and pro vice-chancellors, with a separate Governance and Compliance branch.

Key elements of the new high-level structure include:

  • The Vice-Chancellor’s Executive (VCE) has been reduced from nine to seven members.
  • The establishment of a Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) role within the Academic Portfolio.
  • Five schools including: Science and Engineering; Business, Humanities, Law, and Pathways; Health; Nursing and Midwifery; and Education and Creative Arts.
  • Four Research Institutes, with Research Centres operating virtually and aligned to their relevant institute.

With the high-level structure now in place, work will continue across specific areas of the University to develop the next level of detailed operating structures or portfolios. These will be shaped in close consultation with staff, drawing on their insights and expertise to ensure UniSQ is strongly positioned for the future.

The University expects the new organisational structure to formally commence from 1 January 2026.

Throughout this process, UniSQ remains firmly committed to its role as a deeply community-connected institution, focused on delivering high-quality education, impactful research and meaningful engagement.

UniSQ’s Shaping Our Future transformation program is about more than addressing immediate challenges; it’s about building a stronger, more sustainable, thriving university for the long term.

Background

At the 51²è¹Ý, our mission is to deliver impactful research and exceptional education that enriches and supports communities across our region.

To continue fulfilling our mission, we must adapt to global trends and sector-wide challenges. This includes reviewing our operations to ensure that UniSQ is positioned for long-term success, enabling us to provide a dynamic, innovative university experience well into the future.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning, world-class research, and deep engagement with industry and the community. Over the past five years, UniSQ has invested more than $60 million into high-impact, strategic initiatives that directly benefit our students, staff, and research efforts.

These investments include:

  • $23 million to enhance student learning outcomes and the design and delivery of curriculum
  • $9.5 million in developing new, high-demand degrees
  • $10 million to build and strengthen our research capability
  • $13 million for state-of-the-art teaching spaces, including laboratories
  • $5 million to improve staff and student amenities.

These investments have already made a significant impact. They have accelerated our research performance, provided our students and staff with access to modern learning, teaching, and social spaces, and supported the launch of a new flexible academic calendar that is improving student load density.

Additionally, we have refreshed and developed degree programs, including launching a suite of high-demand allied health degrees at our Ipswich and Toowoomba campuses. This ensures that UniSQ continues to meet the evolving needs of both our students and the broader community.

The success of our university is built on the dedication and wellbeing of our staff and students. We are actively working to support, listen to, and engage with them throughout this period of change.

By working together, we will continue to drive excellence in research, enhance the student experience, and strengthen our connections with industry and the community.

Supporting our people

We are holding regular university forums and face-to-face Q&A sessions to provide our colleagues with the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of the University’s Executive staff.

All University members have access to online resources and information, including forum presentations and supporting videos, FAQs and different ways to provide feedback, contribute ideas or express concerns.

We want everyone to feel as supported as possible as we work through these challenges and reshape UniSQ to achieve our vision for the future. In addition to support offered by the University, we encourage staff and their family members to access confidential support and counselling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) on 1300 687 327 or via email eap@convergeintl.com.au

Further information for staff

For more detailed information and to share ideas, staff are encouraged to access the internal .

Further information for students

To ask questions and share feedback and ideas, students are encouraged to use the .

Contact us

Submit a question or comment via email to AskUniSQ@unisq.edu.au

Frequently asked questions

Shaping Our Future is a bold initiative launched by UniSQ to strengthen its long-term sustainability, enhance its impact in education and research, and ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of students, communities, and industries.

The program aims to position UniSQ for long-term success amid rising costs and a shifting funding landscape within the higher education sector. The University is responding to financial pressures to reduce operating costs and ensure financial sustainability in the years to come.

UniSQ, like many universities across Australia, is facing financial pressures due to declining student numbers following the COVID-19 pandemic, rising operational costs, and changes to international student visa processing. The University has been spending more than it earns and using reserves to cover the gap. To ensure future sustainability, UniSQ needs to adjust its costs to better align with income.

As part of the transformation, UniSQ will reduce 150 roles across all levels of the University. The process will begin with a voluntary redundancy program, and ongoing consultation is taking place.

While there will be changes to the University’s operations and organisation, these will not affect UniSQ’s commitment to delivering high-quality education, world-class research, and strong engagement with industry and community.

UniSQ has been investing in initiatives to grow student enrolments, such as offering new degrees in high-demand disciplines, launching a Trimester-based academic calendar, and enhancing student recruitment, and on-campus amenities. Additionally, the University is focusing on improving student support and establishing partnerships with TAFE Queensland to strengthen pathways between institutions.

 UniSQ has implemented cost-reduction measures, including reviewing vacant positions, reducing non-salary costs, and negotiating with suppliers. The University is also focusing on diversifying revenue streams and increasing student enrolments.

UniSQ has been reviewing its programs and subjects to improve efficiency and align with the Higher Education Standards Framework. Many low-enrolment and non-compulsory courses have been discontinued, and further program refinement continues. Students’ ability to complete their program will not be impacted by the discontinuation of programs or courses and will be supported by staff and through teach-out transition plans.

UniSQ is committed to open communication, providing regular updates, and offering opportunities for consultation and feedback. Staff will receive additional support during this transition period.