Jobs under threat at University of Wolverhampton
Jobs could be lost at the University of Wolverhampton as part of a restructure of its student support team.
Bosses have launched a consultation with staff in its student support and wellbeing team and it is understood dozens of workers could be affected.
The university said no decisions would be made until the completion of the consultation.
A 're-shape' of student support is planned following a reduction in funding for disabled students, leaders said.
The university has campuses in Wolverhampton city centre, Walsall and Telford.
Some support services currently provided through Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) could be delivered by external providers, under the proposed changes.
University bosses said students with disabilities would continue to be supported.
Emma Bull, director of organisational development, said: "Supporting our students to succeed is and remains a core priority of the university.
"To ensure our support services are meeting the needs of our students, a consultation is currently under way with staff within the student support and wellbeing team. This follows a review of how the service operates and of our support priorities.
"The proposal is to ensure the university can focus on its inclusive teaching and wellbeing priorities while accommodating a reduction in Government Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) funding for disabled students.
"Proposals have been put forward to re-shape how we provide support to students which will include continuing to operate specialised support for deaf, hearing impaired and visually impaired learners. DSA funded support for all other students would be delivered by alternative specialist providers who already provide support for a number of students at Wolverhampton in addition to providing support to other universities.
"Current students would continue to be supported by the university through a proposed transition year of 2018/19. Additional resource will be targeted to support inclusive teaching practice and maintain our focus on supporting student mental health and wellbeing.
"Staff are currently being consulted on the proposals."
