Adelaide University Vice Chancellor Peter Rathjen and senior team to donate a fifth of their salary to student coronavirus relief package
Adelaide University has announced a relief package for cash-strapped students – with senior staff to dig deep to help fund the coronavirus battle plan.
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Adelaide University executives will donate a fifth of their salaries – and other staff will be asked to dig deep – to fund emergency grants for students experiencing “acute” hardship due to the coronavirus.
Vice Chancellor Peter Rathjen has announced that he and 19 of his executive team will donate 20 per cent of their pay towards a support package for eligible students struggling through the health emergency.
The grants will help students who have lost employment income; first-year students who will be unable to continue their studies without support; and those whose dependants have lost income owing to the health emergency.
The COVID-19 student support package also includes IT support for remote learning, emergency accommodation and food vouchers.
The Advertiser sought clarification of the amount to be donated by senior staff towards the relief effort.
Analysis by Times Higer Education said Mr Rathjen’s salary in 2018 was $1.05 million, meaning his share towards the support package could top $200,000.
“This initial support is designed for the immediate, short-term assistance for those in acute hardship,” university Prof Rathjen and Adelaide University Union president Stella Woo said in a joint email to students, announcing the support plan.
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“We know that continuing with your studies will be the best approach for all of our students at this time, to put you in good stead when the global pandemic is over, and to provide a much-needed focus and engagement with your peers.
“The package will no doubt need to be refined over time, and perhaps extended, as the pandemic continues to impact our lives.”
In the email Professor Rathjen and Ms Woo said staff “right across” the uni would have the opportunity to support the fund. Other funding will come from university cash reserves and from investments.
A wellbeing plan has also been developed to reduce student isolation, promote nutrition and staying active and help students manage stress and anxiety.
The school grading system has been amended to ensure students are not disadvantaged by the coronavirus.
