It sounds as if Greenwich is shutting down, at least for a while

This letter was just sent to current Greenwich students, two of whom have forwarded it to me.
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29 October 2002

Dear Members of the Greenwich Community

We would like to thank you for the messages of support we are receiving in these disturbing and stressful times.

This letter is being sent in an effort to keep you informed of the progress of the legislation, which has been introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia to over-ride the Greenwich University Act 1998. The House of Representatives has now passed the Bill, and it is expected that the Bill will be presented to the Senate on or near 11 November 2002. We have no reason to expect that it will not be passed there, also. It will then be sent for Royal Assent and become law.

In spite of this, Greenwich University remains properly and legally established pursuant to the Greenwich University Act 1998. We still have the full support of the Norfolk Island Government. However the effect of the proposed Commonwealth legislation, if passed and assented, will be that for the time being Greenwich University would be rendered inoperable. We have received legal advice that the proposed legislation is unconstitutional, and we will be making a legal challenge. Unfortunately, we expect this will take some time. 

In the meantime, we are approaching other accredited universities regarding the transfer of our credits and programs. In the near future, all enrolled students will receive an official sealed interim transcript to certify all courses completed to date. This will ensure that your records and ours are accurate in any future transactions. We shall continue to keep you informed of the situation, and urge you to remain in our community.

The members of our administrative team have worked tirelessly to ensure that your records are complete and that necessary documents have all been prepared. Their efforts have been magnificent, particularly in circumstances that have been and are completely beyond our control.

Please know that we are all endeavouring to serve your interests to the best of our ability. We shall communicate again soon.

We ask for your prayers and blessings.

Pauline Butler, President

 

This today in the Australian

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,5383995%255E12333,00.html

Cheers,

George