Wednesday, 20 September 2006

Turner slams Canterbury University move

United Future education spokeswoman Judy Turner is appalled at news that Canterbury University has disestablished many of its student service positions, especially those providing pastoral care for international students.

"Apparently people who were providing specialist services for international students are to be re-employed at a lower grade to care for all students, i.e. five times as many students.

"This is a dreadful backward step, especially when the Government is working vigorously to expand the international student market by marketing our universities all around the world.

"If we want the kudos and the money that foreign students bring, we should follow international best practice and the Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students by providing these specialist services."

Mrs Turner says she'll be following up Canterbury University's moves with the Minister of Education.

ENDS

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