THE Old Teachers’ College is in a “shameful state of disrepair” and unsafe, forcing UNE to look for alternative sites to teach its 36 on-campus music students.
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The findings, by an independent review panel, also said the building’s state of disrepair meant the university could not promote relationships with the local arts community. But refurbishment of the historic building was “not a priority” for the University of New England.
“Nevertheless, we believe that this accommodation compromises the wellbeing of staff and students and the viability of the music discipline,” the report concluded.
The findings came from a review of UNE’s Schools of Arts, instigated last year. In all, the panel interviewed 28 people in its investigations, including students, general staff, academics and executive officers. Eighteen written submissions were also provided to the panel.
Members of the panel, which consisted of three external experts, the UNE head of school and a community representative, met with staff and students and also visited school facilities. Yesterday, deputy vice-chancellor Annabelle Duncan acknowledged the heritage nature of the Newling Campus posed “maintenance challenges for UNE and significant work is required to maintain the areas used by UNE Music”.
The panel discussed their findings and recommendations with senior executives from UNE and the report was adopted at UNE Council’s meeting in August. “The pleasing and positive signs of growth in student numbers present real opportunities for the school,” the panel said.
“Increased student demand, together with recent and prospective renewal, will enable generationals, refocusing on courses and new research collaborations.”
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“Increased student demand, together with recent and prospective renewal, will enable generationals, refocusing on courses and new research collaborations.”
But the current state of the Newling campus provided consternation.
The panel said: “The [drama studio within the Old Teachers’ College] is not a contemporary performance space and does not met the needs of drama education in the 21st century.”
It also found the school’s relationship with TAFE New England was increasingly unworkable because TAFE couldn’t guarantee availability of units.
The panel recommended Wright Centre be refurbished as a matter of urgency to provide better facilities for teaching music and drama.
For the mean time, Professor Duncans said UNE would continue to offer the BMus in Armidale.
“We are currently looking at more appropriate teaching spaces for the music discipline in Armidale, as per the review recommendations and we are confident we will be able to find suitable facilities,” Professor Duncan said.
