The Australian | 11 June 2015
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Monash University will make a decision about the fate of its Berwick campus by the end of the year, with discussions about divesting the 2000-student facility to another higher education provider already under way.
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A possible departure from Berwick would follow Monash’s exit from its Gippsland campus, which is now run by Federation University after a transfer in January last year.
“Monash is discussing options to enhance provisions of opportunities in the southeast, including at Berwick, with other providers who could offer coursers aligned to the needs of students in the area,” a Monash spokesman said.
Students at Berwick first raised concerns about a planned departure with the campus, which offers degrees in business, nursing and education, last month following a meeting with Monash vice-chancellor Margaret Gardner.
Victoria University is an early contender for a takeover of the 55ha campus, which opened in 1996 to serve Melbourne’s southeastern growth corridor.
“VU has held preliminary discussions with various parties regarding a possible presence in the southeast of Melbourne,” a spokeswoman said.
“No decision has been made and any venture would only proceed if there were clear benefits for the students and the community southeast of Melbourne, and after widespread consultation with all parties.”
Monash has a number of other campuses, including its main campus at Clayton, another in Caulfield, and smaller sites in Parkville and Frankston. It also has operations in Malaysia, China and India.