Capped enrolments. Who will suffer?

There is no more money to fund increased enrolments and on top of that, student success and completion will be a Government funding criteria. Welcome to the National world of Tertiary Education.

In future all universities will choose their students based on that students perceived ability to complete in a timely fashion.  Many in society may agree that this reasonable.

Mature, part time, extramural students have the greatest risk of not finding a place at Massey because they are not best-fit for the funding criteria.

So what can be done?

As a student: pay your fees on time, do not have any outstanding fines, enrol early and in semester one and do not fail your papers! These are the areas that will be used for deciding who stays and who will be excluded.

As a member of EXMSS: Connect with the extramural community through the community website, add your voice to the discussions, participate in submissions and events. EXMSS will focus our community’s views, lobby and make submissions to the university and government.

Clearly questions remain.

Will Massey strategically retain its extramural focus or will Massey move towards the safer internal students? How will the cap be managed in the second and third semesters? Will offerings be reduced?

I am here to engage on your behalf. I am keen to hear your views. I will be submitting on the Draft Tertiary Education strategy in the near future and I am in constant contact with Massey regarding their future direction. Massey values your opinion. If you email the Vice Chancellor or myself the message does get though. Get involved. Blog, comment or contact the university. If you are concerned have your say.