UCOL Hits Pause Button on Summer School

UCOL Hits Pause Button on Summer School

17 December 2010 - Whanganui UCOL is reviewing and revitalizing Summer School of the Arts, in view of lower enrolments.

Whanganui UCOL Principal Julia Pedley has announced that in the meantime the annual Summer School will not go ahead in January, with the exception of the Glass classes, providing an opportunity for a review.

“The level of enrolments for January’s Summer School is lower than is viable. We are taking a cue from this: It suggests that Summer School needs to take a rest and refocus itself.

“During 2011 we will be working closely with the Wanganui District Council to look at ways in which Summer School could be revitalised for 2012. This may include a survey of previous attendees - both students and tutors - to find out what they would like to see offered by a Summer School of the Arts.”

Ms. Pedley notes that Summer School has also been rested in previous (pre-UCOL) years.

She says the small number of enrolments for Summer School 2011 is also likely to be the result of a reduction in discretionary spending by people who would normally attend the school.

“The level of enrolments – a total of just 42 – means that in some cases there are only three or four students enrolled for some of the programmes on offer. Summer School involves a week of intensive workshops, in an atmosphere of creative production and interaction. It wouldn’t be educationally sound to proceed with such low numbers,” she says.

“The low support also means a substantial reduction in funding available for the school: Fees from just 42 students would come nowhere near covering operating costs for the school, as well as academic salaries for lecturers and tutors.”

She says the decision to suspend the next Summer School has been discussed with the Wanganui District Council which has provided advice and support over the last two years of declining enrolments. “The Council agrees that it would be impossible to go ahead with such a low level of enrolments.

Ms. Pedley says Summer School of the Arts provides a dynamic learning experience and is an important feature of the Whanganui arts calendar. “We will do our very best, working with the District Council, to revitalise it and keep it going.”

Letters have been sent to enrolled students and lecturers, advising them of the suspension.

One segment of Summer School – the glass workshops – will go ahead. The Wanganui Glass School and Wanganui District Council management will offer Information is available at www.Wanganuiglassschool.com and their Facebook page.

ENDS