According to a statement released by Theo Premetis the President, Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University will terminate four languages, Italian, Croatian, Russian, and Modern Greek.
This is a blow to Modern Greek learning in NSW.
In April this year, Macquarie University released a Workplace Change Proposal to impacted academic staff, outlining the proposed establishment of a new School.
A consultation paper was shared with key external stakeholders, including the Foundation, and wider Faculty staff, who were invited to submit their feedback.
The Foundation and its community partners such as, the Greek Community of NSW (GCNSW) advocated for, and supported the continuation of Modern Greek studies, and even offering to fully cover program costs.
Regardless of the feedback the university will go ahead with the Workplace Change Proposal. The decision includes the creation of a new academic unit combining four discipline areas: Criminology, Politics and International Relations, Security Studies, and Global Cultures. The language programs will be in ‘resting and teach out’.
Current students enrolled in Modern Greek will be able to complete their studies without disruption until the end of 2026, but new students won’t be able to enrol in Modern Greek at Macquarie starting from Semester 1, 2025.
While the Major and Diploma in Modern Greek and curriculum components are slated for discontinuation, the University has indicated that it may incorporate Greek language and culture-related units of study within the new discipline of Global Cultures.
The final content and curriculum design for this discipline are expected by late 2025.
According to the statement “the Foundation is now exploring proposals to support future students. ”
The Foundation will seek collaborations with the University and will explore alternate ways to support “students passionate about the Modern Greek language and culture in Australia”.a
