Culture review prompts ECU departure

Edith Cowan University has denied allegations of improper grading were unearthed amid a culture review that led the university's executive dean of education to hand in his resignation.

Stephen Winn resigned his post yesterday at the same time as reports circulated of a letter, sent to ECU by the National Tertiary Education Union, which alleged marks were retroactively changed by executives without the knowledge of unit coordinators.

It's understood Professor Winn was not specifically named in the letter.

His departure is instead understood to be linked to a seperate review of the school's culture which arose following a staff survey which raised concerns within the department.

A spokesperson for the university denied the grading allegations were linked to Professor Winn's departure, insisting no formal notification of wrongdoing relating to academic standards had been received through that review or other channels.

"We encourage staff to use our range of reporting processes with any concerns so we can investigate and take appropriate action," they said.

In a separate email to staff, ECU vice chancellor Steve Chapman said Professor Winn ought to be proud of his achievements while noting the two had agreed that, following the review, it was appropriate for him to depart.

Professor Chapman said the university will now begin looking for Professor Winn's replacement.

"In the meantime, I know we have a very capable executive leadership group within the school who will lead us in starting this process of cultural improvement from today," he said.

"I take this opportunity to thank Professor Winn for his dedication and many contributions to the school of education."