Administration Of Universities Abroad

Press, Issue 30997, 1 March 1966, Page 1

Administration Of Universities Abroad

Mr G. G. Turbott, registrar of the University of Canterbury, yesterday presented a report which the Vice-Chancellor (Dr. L. L. Pownall) said would be “mined” by the University Council for years to come.

It was the result of a year overseas during which Mr Turbott visited scores of universities and allied institutions to study the latest methods of administrative organisation. The council will consider each section when developments in a particular field are proposed. Some of the points made by Mr Turbott were:— Faculty administrators were an integral part of universities overseas and further appointments would be needed tn Canterbury. By overseas standards the building administration was the most under-staffed. An assistant with engineering qualification was needed to control increasing maintenance. A planning assistant also was needed. A central purchasing system was needed. Significant savings were made by this overseas.

An internal auditor was needed. Most overseas universities had separate administration sections for halls of residence. catering, and cleaning and caretaking. Initially one person could supervise all three, tn Canterbury relieving other sections. A university-appointed man-

ager for the Student Union was desirable.

A data-processing unit (eventually to include a computer) was desirable for the Registry, separate from research equipment. In planning the new administration building at Ilam a three or four-storey building with courtyards or a tower block seemed to be alternatives. The first was preferred, but the second might be necessary because of limited ground space. New Zealand made the smallest tax concessions for gifts to universities.

Graduates’ associations contributed generously but the universities were involved in much of the campaigning. Faculty clubs or halls of residence often provided some accommodation for visitors who were charged. Most universities were endeavouring to finance parking areas by charging. Although Canterbury hoped for a great hall and physical education buildings, some combined these functions in one structure.

Imaginative use of water in landscaping was made overseas but local authorities in New Zealand refused permission for weirs.