The Department of Physical Education has responded to concerns raised by alumni organisation Phedders United over changes to curriculum and degree structure.Phedders United Co-Convenor Louis Brown blamed a lack of marketing and strategic planning for falling enrolments, and has been urging more student and alumni consultation around core decisions.
Professor Richard Baker, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sciences, accepts that the department has major issues to overcome, saying, “There is absolutely no doubt that the School has a proud history and is respected nationally and internationally. However, over the previous few years there have been dramatic changes in enrolment patterns that have threatened the school’s future prospects.”
He insists that the university is looking at a wide range of options to address the downward trend of enrolments, but wanted to make it clear that Otago was not the only university to experience a sharp decline in PE enrolments in the past several years.
Enrolments peaked at approximately 700 applications to a competitive entry course in 1993; there were only around 100 first year students in 2017. “The current financial position of the School is not sustainable, and a key factor in the current financial position has been a downward trend in enrolments. We want to turn this around,” Baker added.
“To do this we think that forward-thinking academic programmes and a renewed vision for the future is required. One of our most important groups of stakeholders are the students, and they will have an opportunity to contribute to the future vision of the school. In some ways, this is an opportunity to reshape the degree and we want to hear from students as to what they think is important in a Physical Education, Sports, and Exercise Sciences qualification.”
Phedders United claims that the process of seeking input from stakeholders has been substandard. They claim that they were given just one week’s notice and no set time or details, which was insufficient for them to co-ordinate all their members and properly collate input and opinions. In terms of specific changes to the degree, nothing has been specifically put forward yet, but possibilities include changing the current four-year degree to a three-year degree or a 3+1 system, including a post-
graduate diploma.
“We want to future-proof the School’s position as a vital, research-led programme known for excellence in both teaching and research,” Baker said, “As mentioned, the School has a proud history, and we want to make sure that the future is as sustainable and as positive as it can be. Clearly, our current and future students will play an essential role in the School’s renewal.”