'University System Needs Reappraisal’

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31029, 7 April 1966, Page 13

'University System Needs Reappraisal’

New Zealand Press Association)

DUNEDIN, April 6.

Adoption of a method of university financing and control, better adapted to the Britain of yesterday than the New Zealand of today, could be one of the causes of university problems in this country the University of Otago Council suggests to the Minister of Education, in its annual report.

“This may be a good time for some critical reappraisal of the university system in New Zealand,” says the report, signed by the Vice-Chan-cellor (Dr. A. Beacham). It asks: “Is it necessary for the University Grants Committee to remain so detached from the universities, participating in most important decisions but accepting little responsibility for the up-shot? “Something like the State boards for higher education found in the United States might b e better suited to New Zealand conditions. “This would facilitate integrated forward planning of higher education at a time when important changes in the training of teachers and in technological education are taking place. “At present this university has little idea of how the future of higher education is envisaged and the part the

: university is expected to I play.” i The report also asked: “Is |it certain that quinquennial ! grants are best suited to a (country with such a brittle ■ economy? “If grants are to be kept to a minimum in a small country ! struggling to maintain six uni- . versifies, is there not some advantage in putting an end to the secrecy that surrounds , decisions of the University Grants Committee?”