Rockingham students hit out at Murdoch Uni course relocation

Students from Murdoch University’s Rockingham campus have hit out at the decision to relocate its undergraduate education programs to Perth at the start of 2015.

In a statement, Murdoch said it would refocus its Rockingham-based activities on research and university pathway programs, following an extensive review of its operations.

Some students are reeling at the news, saying the decision was made without warning or consultation and have started an online petition protesting the move.

The petition has been signed by 133 people.

Student Tegan Greenaway said she had specifically chosen to study at Murdoch because it had a Rockingham campus, making it easier for her to juggle her family and education.

“At no point were we asked about our thoughts about being forced to continue our studies in Perth and this change will force many of Rockingham’s pre-service teachers to give up their dreams of graduating,” she said.

Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Professor Richard Higgott said the majority of students from the Rockingham area were already studying at the South Street campus.

“We believe that delivering all education programs at the South Street campus will benefit students by providing them with access to a vibrant campus life, a more holistic student experience and better access to health, medical, sporting and recreational facilities, pastoral care, career and other student support services,” he said.

“The demographic in Rockingham has changed greatly in the past decade, as has the public transport infrastructure and as a university we must evolve with those changes and remain certain we are delivering the very best to the community and to our student body.”

Professor Higgott said Murdoch would provide support services for the affected students, including financial support.