Australian Catholic University (ACU) has recently finalized its Academic Change Management Plan, which includes the closure of the esteemed Dianoia Institute of Philosophy (DIP) and the elimination of several faculty positions. Despite considerable opposition and voiced concerns from various stakeholders, the final version of the plan remains largely unchanged.
Dianoia Institute of Philosophy Closure: The plan unequivocally states that the Dianoia Institute of Philosophy (DIP) will be closed, and retained staff will be transferred to the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry (IRCI). This move signifies a significant structural shift within the academic landscape of ACU.
Impact on Professional Staff: The plan further outlines that all professional staff positions within DIP will be disestablished. Those affected will be invited to participate in the placement process under the Operations Change Plan. This restructuring also includes a review of the position of the Director of DIP, with alterations to the reporting line.
Academic Staff Disestablishment: Additionally, the plan calls for the disestablishment of positions for all other academic staff within DIP. However, to mitigate the impact of these changes, the plan proposes the creation of six new Teaching and Research positions (ranging from levels D to E) in the IRCI’s revamped philosophy program. Moreover, three Teaching and Research positions (ranging from levels B to C) will also be established in the IRCI’s new philosophy program. Impacted academic staff from DIP will be invited to participate in the Expression of Interest (EOI) placement process for these new positions.
Staffing Adjustments: One notable deviation from the initial proposal is the creation of six, instead of five, positions in the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry. Among these, one is designated for the current director of the Dianoia Institute, Stephen Finlay. The remaining five positions are open for application by other philosophers from DIP. Consequently, this restructure results in the dismissal of nine philosophers, a reduction from the initial proposal of ten.
Global Perspective and Reputation: The ACU’s decision has raised serious concerns regarding its international reputation, particularly within the fields of Arts and Humanities. Critics argue that the disestablishment of key programs, such as the Dianoia Institute of Philosophy and the Medieval and Early Modern Research Program IRCI, as well as the loss of valued researchers, could impede the university’s ability to compete on a global scale and attract top-tier talent.
ACU’s Response and Forward Steps: In response to these concerns, the university acknowledges that its reputation in these areas is likely to be affected and will require rebuilding. While the plan addresses the potential impact on the institution’s position in the Times Higher Ed rankings, it provides limited concrete strategies to address these challenges.
The finalization of ACU’s Academic Change Management Plan, including the closure of the Dianoia Institute of Philosophy, marks a significant transformation within the university’s academic landscape. Despite strong opposition, the plan largely retains its original proposals. The restructure raises serious questions about the university’s international reputation, particularly in Arts and Humanities, and underscores the need for a strategic approach to rebuild and strengthen ACU’s standing in the global academic community. The effects of these changes will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the academic community, particularly for the affected staff and the broader philosophical community in Australia.
