About 400 people gathered opposite the University of Otago Clock Tower this afternoon to protest proposed cuts to the University of Otago humanities division.

Many protesters held signs calling for the cuts to be stopped.

Otago University Students Association vice-president Jarred Griffiths told the crowd the association opposed any reduction in staff in the division.

"OUSA has a proud history of opposing terrible policies by the University and the Government."

Tertiary Education Union national president Sandra Grey said a major review of the division was an "attack" on a fundamental part of the university.

Dr Grey encouraged the crowd to yell about their love for the humanities so University of Otago staff in the Clock Tower could hear.

In June, staff were told of the review, which focuses on academic staffing across all humanities departments, by humanities pro-vice chancellor Prof Tony Ballantyne.

The review could see some academic positions axed, the university said at the time.

At present, 450 academic staff are employed in the humanities division.

This year enrolments in the division fell by 4.6% (237 equivalent full-time students) from the 4944 Efts who were enrolled in the division last year.

The division has experienced falling rolls since 2011.

PHOTO: Craig Baxter

