Fears over changes to enrolment

Second chances at education could become slim as universities raise the academic bar on entry.

Student representatives fear Maori and Pasifika learners could also miss out under new enrolment policies – even though they're considered a Government priority.

Massey, Victoria and Auckland universities have introduced grade-based enrolment policies for 2011.

The move follows the Government's decision to restrict tertiary funding based on student numbers.

Massey University's new preferential rating system sets the benchmark above University Entrance for courses with more applicants than places.

Extramural Students Society president Ralph Springett said older, second-chance learners – many of whom are distance-learners – are disadvantaged by grade-based entry.

"Because the regulations were not around when a significant amount of extramural students were at school ... there will be a group of disappointed students."

Mr Springett has experienced a second chance at education. After 20 years he quit his job as a chef and received straight As when studying for a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing.

The Tertiary Education Strategy prioritises education for those aged under 25 as well as Maori and Pasifika students, for the next five years.

Massey University is the largest provider of extramural study. About 80 per cent of its distance-learners are aged over 25.

The university also has a large population of Maori and Pacific Island students.

Mr Springett said the Tertiary Education Commission is failing to engage these students. "Where's the incentive to enrol Maori and Pacific Islanders, other than social conscience?"

He credited Massey University with including these student groups under the current funding environment. "I have quite a lot of confidence that they have a fairly robust system in place for enrolments."

Massey communications director James Gardiner said the managed enrolment initiatives for 2011 would not exclude Maori, Pacific Island and older students from the university.

"Having said that, the current funding environment will not allow us to accommodate all those students who wish to enrol at Massey.

"Some qualifications will not have capacity for all those students who apply and in those cases a selection process is required."

The co-president of the Union of Students' Associations, David Do, said the current funding environment could have other negative effects on older students.

People seeking a bridge or foundation course to enter tertiary study could be in for a shock. "The universities may be unable to offer them because the Government puts a lot of pressure to focus on degree courses."

TEC Policy Advice and Government Services director Susan Shipley said tertiary organisations were accountable for explaining how they raised achievement among Maori and Pasifika students.

"All universities will be encouraged to respond to the TES priorities and will need to demonstrate this in their plans."

Tertiary institutes are provided with extra funding for enrolling Maori and Pacific students.

There would still be many older and part-time students in the tertiary system, she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News