2 June 2000 Public information evening to 'demystify' studying at University

Age pattern changes in the country's university student population have prompted a free public information evening in Christchurch this month to demystify tertiary education and show the personal and career opportunities it opens up in the age of the ‘knowledge economy’.

Education Ministry figures show that today more than 40 percent of New Zealand's university student population is aged over 25, and if polytechnic students are also included the figure climbs to almost 50 percent.

That means the size of the traditional core age group on the country's campuses –18 to 24 years – is shrinking and increasing numbers are taking up study after a break away from higher education or after never having done tertiary study before.

The information evening, called Uni-Try 2000, is designed for these people and it will be held in the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce rooms, 57 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, on Tuesday 13 June between 7.30 - 9.00pm.

The aim of the evening, hosted by Lincoln University, is to allow people who are unsure about whether or not university study is for them to ask questions and get on-the-spot answers – using Lincoln University as the model for examples.

For those who have been in the work force for a number of years and are now thinking of taking up university study, and for those who have decided to return to study after a break from it, perhaps while bringing up a family or travelling overseas, Uni-Try 2000 will answer questions such as – 'Is university study for me?' 'Will I be able to cope?' 'What support systems do universities offer for help?' 'How can I finance my study?' And it will all be conducted in a friendly, informal manner.

Others for whom Uni-Try 2000 will have answers are the increasing number of people who would like to take up university study on a part-time basis only.

At Lincoln University, for example, 18 percent of students are studying part-time and it is possible to do this either as an internal student on the campus itself or at an external site under the University's regional education programme.

Uni-Try 2000 will cover the broad areas of learning support and resources; financial support; career and study programme planning; social integration and networking opportunities; learning options and flexibility.

"People who are thinking about whether they should or shouldn't take up university study either this year with Lincoln University's Mid-Year Entry option, or next year in February, should come along to Uni-Try 2000," says Cathy Sherpa and Elizabeth Bean of Lincoln University, two of the presenters.

"They will find that university study is a lot more flexible than they imagined and that programmes can be designed to meet individual needs. We certainly plan to take the myths and mystery out of university education for those who are thinking about it for the first time."

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