Greenwich University 'rendered inoperable'

Statement posted on the front page of Greenwich's site http://www.greenwich.edu.nf as at 19th November 2002

Greenwich University regrets that, due to legislative actions taken by the Australian Federal Government,
as from 19 November 2002 the university has been rendered inoperable for the time being.

However, all other pages are accessible. I wonder if this statement is voluntary or was required by law?

Cheers,

George

 

Here, courtesy of a current student who sent it to me, is the complete text of their announcement:
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Sent: Monday, 25 November 2002 2:19 PM
To: [email protected] <mailto[email protected]>
Subject: Greenwich University Community

Dear Members of the Greenwich University Community

It is with regret that I write to advise you that on 18 November 2002 the
Australian Senate passed the legislation which, for the time being,
effectively prevents Greenwich University from continuing with its normal
operating functions on Norfolk Island.

As stated earlier, our legal advice is that this legislation is clearly
unconstitutional, and we have taken appropriate steps in this regard, but
it will take time to reach a court judgment. We shall keep you advised of
any further developments.

Because so many students have indicated their intention to remain with
Greenwich, we have accepted the generous offer for the administration and
operation of Greenwich, during this interim period, to be undertaken by
another higher education institution. This will ensure that Greenwich
University will survive and will grow to become even stronger, as is
obviously the wish of our community and the Norfolk Island Government. It
is important to remember that the Greenwich University Act remains in force
and Greenwich still exists as an accredited university.

For the next few weeks, whilst we are completing the new administrative
arrangements, all currently enrolled students are being placed on academic
leave of absence from October until February. This does not mean that you
are expected to remain at Greenwich University. It is simply a solution for
those who want to complete their programs. For such students, no tuition
fees will be due, and no enrolments in new subjects will be accepted in this
interim period. It is proposed that in January, all remaining students
will be contacted by the new institution and formal arrangements will be
made for the continuation and completion of their studies. Students who
wish to transfer to other institutions already have the necessary
documentation, and further assistance is available on request. If you
already know what you intend to do, it would be helpful if you could let us
know.

We apologise for the unexpected interruption to your programs, and we trust
that we have been able to satisfy your own particular requirements in these
unfortunate circumstances. Thank you all, once again, for your continued
support and help.

With our very best wishes to you


Pauline Butler
President
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This means that the Australian Federal Government has overridden Norfolk Island’s Greenwich University Act – a bit like saying that Washington DC has overridden California’s BPPVE !

CFr