Adelaide Uni Students Sit-In Against Fewer In-Person Lectures

These students want their studies to be in-person

Whoever said Gen Z’s are chronically online were only partially right.

Because when it comes to in-person lectures, the students at Adelaide University are still fans.

Yesterday on 25 August, students and staff at Adelaide University staged a sit-in, in protest of the university getting rid of most of the in-person lectures when it officially opens next year.

Last year it was announced that the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia were merging into one university named Adelaide University.

Last year they also announced to staff they were reducing the number of face-to-face lectures.

What about the sit-in?

According to the Save our Lectures advocacy group, the uni’s official communications suggest that next year’s lectures will involve in-person interactive activities, polls, and discussions.

However, staff have privately confirmed that most lectures will in fact be pre-recorded digital content.

Yesterday staff and students staged a sit-in in protest.

Student Organiser, Poppy Pilmore said while a hybrid approach is great, online learning doesn’t work for everyone.

“We want the continuation of the hybrid format that is currently used at the University of Adelaide,” she told Student Edge.

“This allows students the choice to engage with learning in the best way for them. Online works for many students, but there are also those who struggle to learn through a screen.

“We believe the Uni should offer equitable learning for all and accommodate students with the hybrid format.”

What has Adelaide Uni said?

A spokesperson for Adelaide University told The Guardian, they were not removing face-to-face lectures.

“Our students deserve dynamic, collaborative and supportive learning environments and the university will offer both on-campus and online lectures to enable the best mode of delivery, which will vary by course and discipline,” they said.

“To support enrolments and to ensure a successful transition to Adelaide University, individual study plans are being provided.

“They will outline the student’s new Adelaide University program, previously completed courses and credit, and the remaining courses needed to complete their degree.”

How do you feel about in-person and online lectures?