Wine is probably the furthest thing from the minds of HSC graduates now contemplating career choices and, perhaps, a beer on campus at their first bar night, but the likely demise of the commercial arm of CSU’s wine production is symptomatic of the uncertainty in higher education for all institutions and students.

The university has made it clear that factors including competitive pressure in the Australian wine industry and the departure of a winemaker have contributed to the decision to review its winemaking but there can be no denying tough budgetary decisions are looming with the Abbott government about to revisit its higher education funding.

In a climate where it is almost certain course fees will rise and other revenue sources will have to be found, all universities will be forced to look at non-core functions, particularly those that do not make a profit.

CSU’s wine business is a spin-off from its viticulture courses and it should be a relief to the industry that education and research in that area is not under threat.

However, for alumni of the university and residents who have seen the steady progress of the commercial range of CSU wines and the symbolic step of the opening of the cellar door on the Orange campus, seeing CSU wines disappear from retail shelves will be a cause for regret.

Today prospective students will be considering CSU offers in medical sciences, nursing, education and criminal justice where it has undisputed strengths.

Residents not just in Orange, but right across regional NSW, should be confident that a great many of them will graduate and take up careers serving regional and rural communities.

Sadly, there is unlikely to be a glass of CSU sparkling pinot noir chardonnay on hand to toast that success.