Students face delay in getting degree

Massey students fear the sudden closure of summer school enrolments could delay their degrees.

About 300 students have already lodged appeals for a summer spot after Massey University shut its doors last week.

The university was forced to close enrolments three months early as it exceeded its funding cap for the year.

Kyle Willoughby is worried his studies have been put back by a year.

The second-year psychology student planned to complete a paper during the summer to ensure he graduated by the end of next year.

"There was no notification, nothing to say time was running out," he said.

"We were only two weeks in to the semester so it was a surprise to say the least."

Another year of study means one less year of working for affected students.

"It's going to have a huge impact on study if I don't get in, as well as my family. I have got a two-year-old son," Mr Willoughby said.

Now he faces the decision of delaying his degree or completing the paper on top of his third-year studies.

"It would be intense to say the least ... it puts more pressure on so you can't afford to let the ball drop."

Some of his classmates faced similar dilemmas, he said.

Although he appreciated funding restrictions were not the university's fault, he wished they had been given warning.

Massey communications director James Gardiner said giving notice would have caused a surge in last-minute enrolments.

"Since we realised we had exceeded the funding cap and had hit the ceiling there was nothing to do but close it."

Students may still enrol in summer school under special circumstances.

Massey University will consider cases where students' funding is at risk or they require one or two papers to complete a degree for employment. "We will be pretty strict because we're not funded for any of those students," Mr Gardiner said.

"The more we let in, the harder we are going to have to look at that criteria."

He urges students to get their appeal in quickly.

Only 3400 enrolled in time, compared with 5000 students the previous year.

Massey's Extramural Student Association president Ralph Springett said students had been approaching them for help.

"The students have been surprised by this decision and it's going to impact them."

Massey students have until November 1 to apply for summer school under special circumstances.

- © Fairfax NZ News