Enrolments look likely to increase at the University of New England for 2021, despite a major cut to staff numbers this year.
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Early applications for school students are up 30 per cent on the same time in 2019, university statistics show.
Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Brigid Heywood said it was a welcome result, though not a huge surprise.
"Given that 2020 has been a year unlike any other it was very difficult to know what to expect," she said.
"That students chose to maximise their options was not unexpected and we're pleased with how applications are progressing."
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The good result comes off the back of months of hard work.
Recruitment strategies were "diverse and built on UNE's strong relationships with high schools across NSW," she said.
In the year of social distancing, that campaign included "virtual" career expos and wide distribution of a video message from Professor Heywood.
In 2020 UNE made one-sixth of its staff redundant. A process called Time for Change will plan how the now-smaller institution will function.
The university union said it was concerned the cut to the workforce could lead to a spiral of declining enrolment, leading to reduced income, followed by further cuts.
"We do not expect to reduce the number of courses, nor do we expect the reduction in staff numbers to affect future enrolment. Under the Time for Change program systems and processes have created efficiencies and is aligned to staff numbers," Professor Heywood said.
UNE early entry offers to students are made after the HSC exam period has concluded. Not all offers will translate into enrolments, because prospective students may have had similar offers from other institutions.
The university is one of the least dependent on international students in the country.