13 October 1999 Lincoln's Regional Education Programme Looks to Mackenzie College Link

The Mackenzie Country joins Lincoln University's Regional Education network with Mackenzie College, Fairlie, as the local study centre and number of staff members as learning co-ordinators.

Over the past year the spread of Lincoln University's Regional Education programme has brought the opportunity for university study in home districts to increasing numbers of South Islanders.

Starting in Ashburton, the programme now has students throughout the South Island. Most are in geographic clusters and able to attend weekly group sessions at a study centre, others keep in touch with their learning co-ordinators by tele­-conferencing.

Full degree-course papers are offered and these can be gradually built towards a Lincoln University qualification.

Initially the Mackenzie College proposal is looking at offering papers in the Food and Health and Psychology areas but others may be added depending on the availability of learning co-ordinators in the district. Overall a total of 10 papers is offered by the University under its Regional Education initiative.

Already there are some Lincoln Regional Education students in the area doing their papers via tele-conferencing. The availability of a local study centre will make life more convenient for these students and others wishing to join the programme.

For further information on the programme the contact is Dr Lynette Hardie-Wills, Lincoln University, telephone (03) 3252811 ext. 8177, fax (03) 3253847, email willsl@lincoln.ac.nz

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand