At Deakin University students are facing very unfair circumstances, particularly in the School of Architecture and Built Environment. The 11-week trimester, teacher-to-student ratios, fee prices and our mental and physical well-being are only some of the issues.

We have this 11-week trimester system in place, which in theory is meant to give significance to the ‘summer trimester’. By doing this, the main two trimester durations have been reduced, which in turn has placed a great deal of strain on the teaching. Where this is the biggest issue is in the studio subjects, particularly Master Class and Thesis.

Students have only 11 weeks to produce their final project of their studies, compared to neighbouring universities who get 12-14 weeks. Graduates of the course have been disadvantaged by several weeks which can make significance differences in the project, basically Deakin graduates are at a disadvantage when it comes to job searching.

While the trimesters have shorten, the subject fees have not been reduced accordingly. We still pay the same amount for when we had 13 weeks, even though now we lose 2 weeks of contact hours.

The ratios in the studio is extremely out, where there is meant to be a 1:17 ratio, some classes may have 1:25 students, or more. Proper contact with tutors is vital in the studio subjects, and you are lucky to see them for 5 minutes in class.

When there is a studio class with 100 students, with 11 weeks to complete the project, we need all the time we can get with tutors. The tutors aren’t superheroes, they can’t see everyone, but if we are still paying fees that are reflective of a 13-week trimester, why can’t more tutors be hired?

Speaking to students, there is a knock-on effect associated with all this, the physical and mental well-being of students. When we are unable to see our tutor some weeks, we only have 11 weeks and we are paying higher fees, it leads to sleepless nights, unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise and major stress levels. When students need to cancel a shift or two at work to complete the studio project to the standard, then financial issues arise.

This is a serious problem, and if Deakin University doesn’t address this properly, they will be questioned on their actions, or lack-off. In fact I want students to start to ask Deakin questions, such as

- why are we still paying the same amount in fees even though we have less contact hours?

- why are our teacher:student ratios so out?

- why did the trimesters get reduced down to 11-weeks?

This petition will be put forward to who ever is in charge as a sign that us students in the architecture and built environment school need change.