27 March 2000 Opportunities there for the grasping

Gateways of opportunity to enter university are now open almost year round. If your lifestyle, domestic arrangements or career constraints don't allow you to take up study at the traditional start-time of February, remember that Lincoln University offers entry at mid-year and also two chances to do papers over the summer vacation.

Lincoln pioneered mid-year entry in the university system back in the mid-1980s and since then countless cohorts of students have found it a convenient time to start their courses.

It has appealed in particular to the non-school leaver section of the community and the range of those taking up study in July each year generally includes people seeking new qualifications in order to change careers, those seeking first time qualifications to advance their careers, those deciding to start university study for the first time after having been away from school for a number of years, perhaps raising children or travelling overseas, and those who have been unemployed for some time or made redundant.

From being someone who returned to study after a break for domestic reasons Kate Burtt of Christchurch is a typical example of a Lincoln University mid-year entry student, and subsequent graduate, who has been forever grateful for the opportunities opened up to her at Lincoln University.

After graduating with a Commerce and Management degree, Kate has had successful appointments in the public relations and institutional fund-raising fields and is now involved in the governance area.

"My Lincoln degree studies gave me an overview of what was required in these public fields and I am now really enjoying governance," she says.

A BA graduate and former teacher, Kate had been out of the paid work force for a number of years on family-raising duties but had never lost the zest for mental stimulation and challenge.

"I saw Lincoln's advertisement for mid-year entry and it immediately struck a chord. I thought, why don't I go back to university to see if my brain is still up to it.

"Why Lincoln and not some sort of extra-mural or correspondence study? Well I thought that studying at home would make me very insular. Also I know that I'm not a solitary studier.

"Being out on the campus, attending lectures and being part of a class, it all keeps you in touch with people. The stimulation of mixing with other students is an important part of university life for me."

Kate says the Lincoln semester system is convenient for people coming back into the system or trying it for the first time. (Papers are based on two, 12-week semesters.)

"You're studying for short, intensive bursts and if you come unstuck in one semester then you haven't wasted a full year. Also now with Lincoln University's Summer School you can repeat some papers over the summer vacation period."

The return to study after time away from the classroom can be a struggle for some, particularly if specialist skills like mathematics have lapsed. Lincoln, however, provides bridging courses in mathematics and statistics for incoming students who need to upgrade their abilities and a well organised Student Learning centre provides other courses and tutorials on the various skills required for success at university – from assignment writing to examination techniques.

Lack of confidence can be a worry too for some older students coming into a university after time at home or elsewhere.

"You tend to be apprehensive about how you will cope," remembers Kate. "Not only with the study but with keeping the home going as well, or perhaps keeping your job going, if you are juggling job and study.

"Personally I found Lincoln's environment very supportive, and the students themselves who come in at mid-year seem to do well despite the self-doubts they might have before they get started."

Perhaps the last word can be left to the enthusiastic comment of the first time Lincoln student who said: "It's great, at Lincoln they teach you how to learn, they don't just throw you in at the deep end."

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