UC business and law academics return to a permanent base

UC business and law academics return to a permanent base for first time since the earthquakes

December 19, 2013

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For the first time since the 2011 earthquake, University of Canterbury (UC) business and law staff have begun returning to a permanent base in the former Law building, on campus. 

Around 100 academics and administrative staff from the School of Business and Economics have been housed in temporary locations around campus since the earthquakes badly damaged the Commerce building that was home to about 2400 commerce students. 

The Business and Law building has undergone an $8.3 million makeover and has been fully remediated and redesigned to provide a high quality learning and teaching environment. 

Accommodation includes a refurbished lecture theatre and seminar rooms, Moot room, café, dedicated accommodation for executive development programmes, tutorial rooms, a computer lab and video-conferencing facilities.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Business and Law) Professor Sonia Mazey says for nearly three years students and staff have demonstrated incredible resilience, but are now looking forward to working in purpose-built premises.

``While the College has experienced a challenging time since the earthquakes, the move back to our dedicated Business and Law building represents the start of an exciting new era for business and law at UC.” 

Over the past year, the College has undertaken a major review of what and how it teaches students to ensure that UC graduates have not only the knowledge but also the practical skills and competencies that employers are seeking. 

From next year, the College will offer a number of new degree programmes to meet growing demand for professionally relevant qualifications.  These include: a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree; a Master of Professional Accounting; a Master of Business Management; and a Master of Applied Finance and Economics.

``The future of the College includes new courses and programmes, the expansion of community service and work-integrated learning opportunities,” Professor Mazey says.

``We now have a strong platform upon which to maintain and further strengthen our relationships with our external stakeholders, including high school students, businesses, community groups and public sector organisations.

``Having all our staff under one roof is a milestone that we plan to celebrate with our stakeholders when the Business and Law building is officially opened next year.”

In the latest university performance based research fund round, UC was ranked first in New Zealand in marketing and tourism and second in accounting and finance, management, human resources and industrial relations.  

ENDS

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