Massey and UCOL still enrolling

Massey  University and UCOL are keeping their doors open to semester two students, but next year's intake won't be so lucky.

Students around the country face tightened entry policies as the Government caps funding at tertiary institutes.

Victoria University recently announced it would not accept any more domestic enrolments for undergraduate study this year. Otago University also placed enrolment caps for some of its second semester courses.

But Palmerston North tertiary institutes have reassured students there are no plans to close enrolments early.

Massey University will not be capping any additional courses at this stage.

Vice-chancellor Steve Maharey said the university had seen "significant" demand for second semester and summer school courses.

To manage current numbers the university is cracking down with exclusions and suspensions for students who consistently fail their courses, he said.

UCOL chief executive Paul McElroy said their doors were open for semester two enrolments.

"We'll find a way to accept as many people as possible because that's what we're here for."

Mr McElroy said semester two enrolments were up by about 13 per cent compared with last year, partly due to people applying earlier than normal.

UCOL was forced to cap more than 30 semester one courses due to increasing enrolment numbers and funding pressure.

If numbers were up significantly they may cap some semester two courses, but it was too early to predict, Mr McElroy said.

This year, other universities introduced policies that deny entry based on students' grades as funding tightens up and demand increases.

UCOL and Massey University are yet to decide on how next year's enrolments will be managed, although it is certain greater restrictions will be in place.

Mr Maharey said capped funding would force the university to flatten off first year enrolments as demand increased.

Any changes were likely to come in next year as the university adopted a fully capped environment, he said.

"This represents a major challenge because demand for places at the university is large."

He confirmed the university was developing a mixed-entry model.

Most students would be accepted based on their grades. However, students could also gain entry by proving they were motivated to learn.

Mr Maharey said a decision would be made mid-year.

"Massey University is working closely with the Tertiary Education Commission to ensure we meet their requirements."

Massey University was in a unique position as it had the biggest extramural and Maori student population, he said.

Student Association presidents have criticised the Government's tertiary education plan for marginalising those students.

Massey University also faces increased demand at its Auckland campus from a rapidly-growing North Shore community.

While Mr Maharey said he accepted student numbers must be limited, the Government ran the risk of disappointing and angering students.

UCOL will make a decision on 2011 enrolment policies in four months' time.

- © Fairfax NZ News