ECONOMIC NEEDS OF STUDENTS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27306, 24 March 1954, Page 3

ECONOMIC NEEDS OF STUDENTS

Questionnaire Issued At University

CLAIMS FOR BETTER BURSARIES

Although a questionnaire now being answered by students of Canterbury University College is designed primarily to determine their economic positions, it should also provide an interesting and useful commentary on the backgrouAd and habits of all now undergoing university education. The New Zealand University Students’ Association last year made a survey from a variety of sources to support a claim for increased bursaries, but the Minister of Education asked for more factual information. The Student Labour Federation (which first raised the claim for better bursaries five years ago) has designed the present questionnaire and results from all over New Zealand will be collated for submission to the annual conference of the New Zealand University Students’ Association in Christchurch at Easter.

Careful precautions have been taken to see that only one paper is issued to each student, but no names are required. The response so far by 400 students is thought good. New students are not taking part because they have not the experience on which to base useful returns. • Extra-mural students will probably not be represented in large numbers. Part-time students may not be deeply concerned. The JOO I s ,P r 9 ba bly a fair proportion of the full-time students at Canterbury University College who must depend entirely on bursaries, vacation earnings, and help from home to complete thier courses.

The first section of the questionnaire asks the period between leaving school and entering the university, the purpose of study—general and cultural advancement or improved qualifications (the fields and intended careers are sought)—and intentions about post-graduate research. An indication is requested of the colleS® . clubs for sporting, cultural, political and religious activities, which are supported.

“Father’s occupation and income?” is a question which has raised eyebrows in many homes, but most parents have complied on the understanding that the replies are anonymous. “In any case most of us have a rough idea of the salary carried by our parent’s position,” one student said yesterday. Full-time students are asked to list money received from home, vacation earnings, vacation savings, odd earnin|p. during the term, bursaries, scholarships, .and fees paid. Part-time students are asked to describe whether they would prefer full-time study, whether their present work is done chiefly to provide funds for study or whether university attendance is a sideline, whether their work and study are related, and the nature and income of that employment. Both groups are asked whether employment interferes with participation in the full life of the university. Details of expenditure on tuition, college, and examination fees, books and other direct demands of the university and also living costs, including board meals out, transport, recreation, and clothing are also requested in the questionnaire.

The last section requires an assessment and description of residential accommodation used by students and also of the loss of earnings through compUmlory milltar y training. T he questionnaire has been issued to 400 second, third, and four-year students, who were previously aware of me importance of careful records, and it is believed that a reliable return covering the last year (from January to January) will be possible.