News

The earthquake has caused the University of Canterbury serious problems as they struggle to restore educational facilities to 20,000 enrolled students.
Recently rumours have been floating around that the University may not open until second semester. However Canterbury Vice Chancellor Rod Carr dismissed such talk, releasing a statement on March 2 saying that there would be a “progressive re-start” of teaching beginning on the March 14. Carr stated “I continue to see no reason why we cannot deliver a full academic programme of teaching in 2011”. The progressive re-start is being organised by each of the Pro-Vice Chancellors and a detailed schedule is due to be released today.
 
The biggest problem involved with the re-start is the wellbeing of teaching staff. Many have lost loved ones, are still struggling without homes, or are living without water and electricity. Another problem Carr pointed to was the fact that many staff and students may not want to return to high-rise buildings again. The University’s plan of attack is to build a high-tech structure known as the “Oval Village”. The structure, to be built within the University Oval, is due to be completed in around eight weeks and will provide facilities for lectures, seminars and study groups, as well as open-plan offices for staff.
 
In an attempt to make-do without all its original facilities, the University also intends to retro-fit each course by changing the number of lectures and assignments in each paper. On top of this, online components will be added to courses and video-produced lectures will be utilised.
 
Despite the University’s efforts to get things promptly underway, many students have been trying to transfer to other institutions. International students are being encouraged to transfer to other cities, with Dunedin set to receive its share. At time of print the University of Otago had already accepted enrolments from over fifty internationals, both single-semester exchange students and full-degree candidates.
 
Those relocating to Dunedin are being streamlined into their courses, with many enrolments being accelerated so that students can sort out accommodation and resume their studies as quickly as possible. University of Otago Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Sarah Todd said in a media release that the University is working with Accommodation Services and Immigration New Zealand to streamline the settling-in process.
 
According to New Zealand Union of Students' Associations (NZUSA) co-president Max Hardy, hundreds of domestic students are also trying to transfer to alternative tertiary institutions.
 
The University of Otago announced in a statement on March 3 that it would welcome all Canterbury domestic students who wished to transfer, the only stipulation being that they complete at least one semester at Otago.
 
The statement added that “the University of Otago Dunedin information and call centre will remain open over the weekend to take enquiries from earthquake-affected students. As well as providing enrolment advice and accommodation and pastoral support, Otago will make transitional arrangements so that transferring students are not required to pay Otago fees until they have completed withdrawals and received refunds from their previous institution”.
 
Universities New Zealand chairman Derek McCormack said that "students and their families can be assured that the universities are working together with government agencies to explore all possible avenues to make sure that students will have continuity of study during this difficult time”.