6 September 2006 Strategic review of subjects and programmes

Lincoln University is continuing to undertake a strategic review of subject and programme offerings as it moves to adapt to the changing tertiary education environment.

The University is increasing its focus on the distinctive and fundamental contribution that it has been making to New Zealand’s economic and social goals for the past 128 years.

Lincoln University will strengthen its focus on research, postgraduate supervision and teaching innovation related to the further development of agriculture, the environment and relevant industries.

This fits with the University’s strategic direction as a research intensive provider of interdisciplinary qualifications that are closely aligned to New Zealand’s current and future needs and have a global focus.

“Lincoln is a distinctive University and to be able to invest in our core focus areas we need to move out of other areas. We need to achieve a delivery base that is sustainable and allows us to deliver high-quality programmes in areas that we are differentially and demonstrably good at, which are relevant for graduates and for New Zealand, now and in the future,” says Vice Chancellor, Professor Roger Field.

“We have also considered the cost of delivering programmes, the level and trend of student enrolment in all programmes, the number of subject deliveries required for the programme and the ability to attract and retain appropriate staff, which has been a serious challenge in some areas.

“After initial analysis of subjects and programmes, the University is recommending exiting certain programmes [detailed in the backgrounder attached]. This will allow the University to strengthen its focus on its core areas and invest in these,” says Professor Field.

“A comprehensive consultation process with all staff, union representatives, students and other stakeholder groups is underway and this will be completed by mid-October. If all of the specific proposals are confirmed, the maximum number of positions anticipated to affect would be 10, over a two year period. Natural attrition and redeployment, which is the preferred outcome wherever possible, are likely to reduce the impact.

“I know that this will be a difficult process for some staff and we are taking all possible steps to make sure that it is a thorough and fair process. To that end, we are allowing enough time for people to consider the proposal and give us feedback. Our end goal is a vibrant and sustainable University that is distinctive and continues to contribute to the growth of the New Zealand economy,” concluded the Vice Chancellor.
 

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Proposed programme changes – Background
 

1. Withdraw from the Bachelor of Māori Planning and Development, effective once existing students have completed. This programme has consistently had low numbers of student enrolments, and it has been difficult to attract and retain appropriately qualified and experienced staff. No entry was permitted in 2006. The University has introduced a minor in Māori Studies and would take the opportunity to develop a Māori curriculum that is aligned to our differential strengths.

2. Withdraw from the Bachelor of Commerce (Forestry), effective once existing students have completed programme. Student enrolments in this programme have declined steadily. No entry was permitted in 2006. Lincoln University’s strengths with respect to forestry would be focussed at the postgraduate level.

3. Withdraw from the Bachelor of Social Science, effective once existing students have completed. It is proposed that no new entry should be permitted from 2007. Student enrolments in the programme have declined. It is important to stress that withdrawal from delivery of this programme would not mean that Lincoln University would not continue to draw significantly on social science in interdisciplinary programmes. Psychology and human geography discipline areas would be included in other programmes.

4. Consolidate the Bachelor of Recreation Management programmes into a single programme, focussing on sport and leisure. The University would withdraw from Outdoor Leadership and Community Recreation. Student enrolments have declined steadily in Outdoor Leadership and Community Recreation signalling a need for consolidation and focus.

5. Incorporate Human Geography, Psychology and Parks discipline areas within the BEM, to ensure a reduction in the overlap of human ecology and human geography subjects.

6. Focus undergraduate regional education delivery on subjects required for the Diploma Horticulture and the Diploma Commerce. This proposal would have an impact on the existing Regional Education infrastructure, which would be disestablished.

7. Review the BSc to consolidate areas of strength and to clearly differentiate the BSc. A review of the BSc is underway with the terms of reference for the self-review including differentiation and linkages with other programmes.

8. Review undergraduate Commerce programmes to support current and future alignments with industry needs, research strengths and differential positioning for future growth. This is scheduled for 2007.

9. Progress with other opportunities to reduce subject deliveries at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

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Tertiary Education Reform – Background
 

New Zealand Government Media Release
27 July 2006

Key decisions to improve tertiary performance
 

Tertiary institutions will be funded on the basis of three year plans outlining how they will meet the education and training needs of students, employers and communities under a package of measures aimed at improving quality in the sector.

Tertiary Education Minister Michael Cullen today unveiled the first set of decisions the government has made following extensive consultation with the sector and other interested groups over the past three months.

"I am pleased there has been such broad support for the direction and intent of the reforms. The tertiary sector has a vital role to play in transforming New Zealand into a high wage, high skill, knowledge-based economy and contributing to our social and cultural development. Enhancing its role is a priority for the Labour-led government.

"What we are announcing today are the first steps in a new approach designed to ensure tertiary education has greater quality and relevance. We want a sector that produces higher numbers of skilled graduates in areas the economy needs, and that the government gets greater value for its investment in tertiary education," said Dr Cullen.

The changes are the first part of reforms that will see the new system introduced incrementally across the sector from 1 January 2008.

Dr Cullen said he was pleased with progress. "Clearly, more work needs to be done, but we are on track. Further consultation in the months ahead will ensure we are well on the way to establishing a robust funding framework that strikes a better balance between the choices of students and our economic and social priorities."

Sarah Hannan, Marketing and Communications Manager, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand