Ad Feedback

Graduates come back to protest

By PAUL EASTON - The Dominion Post
Last updated 08:03 26/08/2009
Jenny Neale
KENT BLECHYNDEN/The Dominion Post

KEEP OUR COURSE: From left, Associate Professor Jenny Neale, social sciences research programme director, and graduates Sue Buckley and Carolyn Hooper urge Victoria University to think again.

Relevant offers

Local

Mt Bruce hatches new kiwi watch programme Heavenly movie tests Jackson to the limit Driver haunted by memory of death Bus company to investigate drivers All in a morning's work for drug-busters Council tries to allay alarm over sewerage scheme bills 'Unfair' levy blows out cost of stream work Oh Christmas Tree - how sparkly are your branches Jackson looking forward to a 'proud' premiere Beach revolt over sewerage bill

Victoria University graduates have returned to the campus to protest against plans to axe a research course.

The future of the post-graduate course in Social Science Research is under review by the Wellington university, which has described it as no longer financially viable.

"This is a golden egg that they are just planning to scramble," graduate Carolyn Hooper said. If the course were cut, two fulltime academic staff would be made redundant.

Fifty of its graduates gathered for a protest organised by the Tertiary Education Union at the Kelburn campus yesterday.

Its director, Associate Professor Jenny Neale, described the course - which she began in 1987 - as "my baby".

"I believe it's a fantastic programme. I'm gutted about it. The review is entirely focused on the costs, and it ignores the benefits," she said.

If the cut went ahead, she would lose her job in March.

The course is limited to 12 fulltime students a year, and aims to teach the disciplines of applied research. Eight students were enrolled this year, and seven last year, the university said.

Professor Deborah Willis, humanities and social sciences pro-vice-chancellor, said: "Unfortunately in recent years the numbers of students enrolling . . . have fallen to a level where the programme is no longer financially viable.

"In the current economic climate all organisations are planning to ensure they are financially sustainable and the university is no exception."

Social research skills would still be taught at the university, she said.

Submissions on the review close at the end of the week, with a final decision expected next month.

Ad Feedback
0 comments
Post a comment

Post comment


Required

Required. Will not be published.
Registration is not required to post a comment but if you sign in, you will not have to enter your details each time you comment. Registered members also have access to extra features. Create an account now.

I have read and accepted the terms and conditions
These comments are moderated. Your comment, if approved, may not appear immediately. Please direct any queries about comment moderation to the Opinion Editor at blogs@stuff.co.nz
Ad Feedback
Special offers
Opinion poll

Should Manners Mall make way for buses?

Yes

No

Vote Result

Related story: Mall campaign pays for 'protesters'

Featured Promotions