Polytechnic has plan until the year 2000

Press, 23 July 1986, Page 10

Polytechnic has plan until the year 2000

Christchurch Polytechnic will have a greater percentage of students attending full-time in the future, according to a draft development plan just released. The plan has been sent to Polytechnic staff and council members for comment The Polytechnic’s principal, Mr John Hercus, said the draft was intended to set out proposed development until the year 2000. Once the staff and council members had commented, an amended copy would be made available for public comment. A final plan would then be prepared next year, he said. The draft includes educational, building, environmental and traffic developments. Along with the expected move towards having more students attending full-time, a need for more student accommodation is seen. A need for the Polytechnic to respond quickly to changing educational needs is also seen. There would be an in-

creasing need for multipurpose flexible buildings able to be.used for either general or specific functions, according to the draft . Any future specialist buildings should be able to change function within 10 years. “The ability of the Polytechnic to respond appropriately and rapidly to educational needs will be a continuing characteristic ... Courses will continue to reflect diverse educational needs, and imply an increasingly comprehensive institution — a microcosm of the regional community.” The draft also emphasises development of the Polytechnic as a multi-cultural institution. “Specific actions such as new programmes, campus marae, engagement of further Maori and Pacific Island staff, will be given high priority.” The plan also outlines the development of new buildings for art and community studies, food and fashion, women's courses, and media studies, as well as several other building changes.