The “war for talent” is real across universities in New Zealand, according to University of Canterbury's vice-chancellor Rod Carr in its annual report.In the report, released on the NZX today (UOC010) Mr Carr said the University, which recorde
The “war for talent” is real across universities in New Zealand, according to University of Canterbury’s vice-chancellor Rod Carr in its annual report.
In the report, released on the NZX today (UOC010) Mr Carr said the University, which recorded a $9.1 million full year surplus, wanted to promote a “world-class” learning environment.
It was focused on attracting students and faculty who could engage with learning – “be it through creative knowledge, critiquing knowledge, disseminating knowledge or protecting it.”
Progression standards – where students, for example, averaging between a C or C- would now risk being excluded if they could not raise their performance – would over time have a “profound” effect on the quality of students and the University’s reputation, he said.
But to attract top students, it had to offer a stimulating learning environment – including buildings, laboratories and technology.
The University’s $500 million investment plan for the next 10 years was constrained by funds it received through grants and fees for teaching and research, he said.
Government funding constraints, including caps on domestic student fees, teaching and student numbers were binding.
In October last year, the university launched a philanthropic bond issue and this year introduced a $600 non-tuition levy, generating $80 million over the next 10 years.
The bond issue was fully subscribed, raising $50 million.
The University had 18,537 students enrolled in 2009 and received $86,809 in tuition fees, along with $115,009 in government grants.
This year, it has a new international strategy to increase the number of full fee-paying students, targeting recruitment overseas and 'internationalising' the curriculum.
