Joint Taskforce - Cuts to Glass Design and Fine Arts

Joint Taskforce

UCOL has committed to working with the District Council on approaches and models that look at how to provide sustainable tertiary education in Whanganui. A Taskforce will be urgently assembled between the two organisations to specifically progress the provision of fine arts and glass education in Whanganui in a way which supports Whanganui’s strength as a community with a strong art and glass focus.

Other aspects of the Taskforce include looking at opportunities to introduce new programmes which are science, technology, engineering and maths focussed, and look at opportunities for people who are not in employment, education or training and move those individuals through vocational educational pathways. The Taskforce will also investigate and propose ways to capture a significant share of New Zealand’s international education market which would bring more international students to UCOL to financially assist with UCOL’s cost structures in Whanganui.

Today UCOL confirmed decisions taken to meet its reduced funding for 2013. This includes pausing enrolments into year one of the Bachelor of Fine Arts or Diploma in Glass Design and Production next year. “This will give the time needed for the Taskforce to meet and develop options which could be implemented for 2014”, said UCOL Chief Executive Paul McElroy.

“Years two, three and four of the Bachelor of Fine Arts will still be offered in 2013, as will years two and three of the Diploma in Glass Design and Production. We are talking with students who are concerned about their individual circumstances, and will support them to continue to succeed in their studies. We are also supporting staff through this changing time.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media