27 April 2001 Lincoln welcomes challenges of changing tertiary education environment, says Chancellor

Lincoln University is ready to collaborate with like-minded institutions in teaching and research in the changed tertiary education environment which is looming, said Chancellor Margaret Austin at today’s Graduation Ceremony in Christchurch Town Hall. (27 April)

"Tertiary education in New Zealand is being reappraised at present and all the indicators are that there will be changes," said Mrs Austin.

Lincoln welcomed the challenges and would respond to them independently and objectively.

"We will use the opportunities which emerge to advance our national and international interests. We are ready to collaborate with like-minded institutions in teaching and research."

However Mrs Austin said that what the University would not do was abandon its commitment to integrated multidisciplinary approaches to teaching, learning and research and neither would it compromise its focus on the pastoral care of its students.

"We are acutely conscious of our responsibility to our students, knowing full well that they are tomorrow's leaders."

Mrs Austin told the 545 graduates and diplomates at the ceremony that they were a most valuable national resource and she urged them to use their talents, respond to opportunities to succeed and contribute as citizens to the country.

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