Last week, La Trobe University announced that they propose to discontinue Modern Greek Studies.
La Trobe University is currently the only university in Victoria that offers a comprehensive program in Modern Greek Studies from complete Beginners to PhD.
According to ‘Greek Studies at La Trobe University’ social media, "Modern Greek gives La Trobe a uniqueness that adds value to the institution as a whole, as the sole tertiary provider of Greek in Victoria."
Many students and organisations have expressed concerns including the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), who wrote a letter to the Vice Chancellor.
The GCM pointed out in its correspondence that the Greek Studies program was experiencing growth, that it even had students looking to do Honours in 2021. It also noted that the program was in receipt of significant support via the Vlachogiannis bequest and of course its famous – but nevertheless hidden – Dardalis collection.
In response to the concerns and correspondence, a meeting with the University executive has been arranged for Friday 20 November.
“The Greek Studies program at Latrobe University is the only program in Victoria offering the opportunity for students in Victoria across all Victorian campuses to study Greek language and culture at Tertiary level,” said Theo Markos, Vice President of the GCM.
"The Greek Community of Melbourne has worked closely with the program to deliver an array of highly regarded cultural activities such as the Culture and Lecture Series.Both Stephie Nikoloudis , current coordinator of the Program, and her predecessor Maria Herodotou ,have been active contributors to our own education and cultural program.The possible loss of the Program would have a devastating effect on the future of Greek language teaching in the state of Victoria. The repercussions are too countless to mention. It would also be a blow to the unique identity of La Trobe University and is something that we do not accept lightly," he added.
All Victorian Greeks and Phihellenes are strongly encouraged to sign the petition- https://bit.ly/2ItMaq6