I've been following the WA Government's proposal to investigate merging Curtin University, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia. The Government has set up an expert committee to help steer the university reform business case.
I don't pretend to be an expert in higher education policy. But through our work with universities at Airgentic, I've developed a real appreciation for just how different these institutions can be, and how much value those differences bring to students.
I can certainly understand the Government's objectives. Improving research competitiveness, reducing duplication and achieving better student outcomes are all worthwhile goals. Still, the proposal raises three questions for me.
What happens to student choice?
One thing I've learned from working with universities is that each has its own identity, strengths, culture and approach to education. Students don't just choose a course. They choose an institution they feel is right for them.
Would combining three universities preserve those differences, or gradually erode them?
Does bigger necessarily mean better?
A combined institution with around 120,000 students would certainly have scale. But would that translate into better teaching, stronger student engagement and improved completion rates?
Perhaps it would. But I'd be interested to understand which benefits genuinely require a merger, rather than closer collaboration between independent institutions.
What is the opportunity cost?
Merging three large universities would be an enormous undertaking, involving significant financial investment, organisational change and management attention. Even if the long-term benefits are compelling, what might be delayed or displaced while the institutions focus on integrating?
And could some of those resources deliver greater benefits if invested directly in students, teaching and research?
Diversity is a strength worth protecting
I'm not suggesting the Government shouldn't investigate the idea. There's nothing wrong with challenging established structures and looking for better ways of doing things. But from what I've seen, the diversity of our universities is a strength worth protecting.
