Business Survey Begun By University Officer

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30940, 22 December 1965, Page 14

Business Survey Begun By University Officer

The new business liaison officer at the University of Canterbury (Mr F. Whiteling), who took up his duties recently, has already begun a survey of the executive structure of commercial, industrial, and institutional organisations in Christchurch, and later will extend his inquiry to other centres. Eventually it is intended to have a complete reference which will have many uses in the university’s expanding services to students and the business community. The Vice-Chancellor (Dr. L. L. Pownall) yesterday said it was hoped that students would consult the business liaison officer as readily as

they now consulted the student health service, the physical education service, accommodation and boarding bursars, chaplain, and counsellors.

Although Mr Whiteling would not be a placement officer, he should be in a position to give advice on a great variety of vocations and put students in touch with groups or firms interested in recruiting staff from the university. The survey of executive positions would provide precise information on the needs and prospects in firms, the executive positions existing and likely later to be open, the salary structure and other rewards, and many other details.

Dr. Pownall said he hoped students would get into the habit of talking to the business liaison officer for their early years at the university. This could be helpful in planning their training toward specific careers. While Mr Whiteling was calling on firms, it was expected that he would learn many ways tn which the university could help them. Dr. Pownall said the university had happy relations with the business community, but so far it had only slight contact with many Individual groups. One field of great potential was the provision of short courses through the department of extension studies. Suggestions would be welcomed.

The university was setting up an appointments board with representation of business throughout New Zealand to advise on ways of bringing potential employer and employee together without taking direct part in subsequent negotiations. Dr. Pownall said this board would also have some oversight of the business liaison office.