A bleak outlook: Academic staff perceptions of changes in core activities in Australian higher education, 1991–96

ABSTRACT A survey of the perceptions of academic staff from three representative universities to recent higher education reform in Australia has revealed a high level of concern in many areas of academic responsibility and a dismal assessment of future prospects. This article reports responses to issues involving the mainstream activities of teaching and research as well as to the standard of undergraduate students and the extent of academic freedom. The quality of new students, of teaching and research are all identified as in decline. Changes in university management to a more corporate style are seen as a threat to academic freedom. Established research universities are concerned that scarce research funds are being stretched too far. This perception is leading to new divisions in the unified higher education sector.