25 August 2011 Impact of the earthquakes on Lincoln enrolment numbers

Lincoln University continues to work through the impacts of Canterbury's recent seismic events. In late 2010 Lincoln University was well positioned for growth in 2011 domestic student numbers. The 2011 recruitment campaign saw a significant increase in prospective student visits and enquiries, resulting in an overall 11% increase in applications and a 17% growth in Bachelor level applications, specifically. Lincoln University experienced growth in applications despite the 4 September earthquake.

However, the 22 February earthquake - occurring just prior to Semester 1, 2011 registration - did have more of an impact on securing the new applicants as registered students. While students already committed to longer term programmes, e.g., Bachelor degrees or doctoral study, remained at Lincoln University, a significant number of the students studying for a shorter term qualification, eg. certificate or diploma, or beginning a new qualification, did not arrive or chose to depart. At the 'low' point in 2011, the University estimated that approximately 75 Domestic and 115 International students were not on campus.

Domestic numbers are now only slightly depressed compared with this time last year. International numbers are however down by 12.5 percent.

Lincoln University's specialist land-based status is undoubtedly helping with specialist programmes seeing increased numbers eg. Landscape Architecture, Viticulture and Oenology, Commerce (Food Industry), Software and Information Technology and Agricultural Science. For example there has been-

8.5% growth in the Diploma in Agriculture;

18. 7% growth in the Bachelor of Agriculture;

8.9% growth in the Bachelor of Science;

7.8% growth in the Bachelor of Tourism Management;

and a doubling of international students in the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

Internationally the University has new markets coming on board, for example Papua New Guinea, and existing markets such as North America are largely unaffected by the earthquakes since they are more accustomed to seismic activity.

Following the February earthquake a number of Saudi Arabian students on government-funded education placements were withdrawn and a handful of other students also returned home.

International student numbers on the Lincoln University campus also include those enrolled in Foundation Studies and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses. In Foundation Studies withdrawals after the 22 February earthquake were minimal - in single figures only - and almost all returned, so the impact on enrolments was virtually "nil", says Academic Co-ordinator Heather Blakeborough.

"The mood in Foundation Studies has remained positive throughout. Because Lincoln University is located out of the city, we are seen as safer. One or two overseas parents told their children to 'come home' but in one case the student said 'No, I want to stay.' That summarises the mood."

The University says that forward enrolments for Foundation Studies are positive, which suggests the earthquakes have not had much impact on educational aspirations in the Foundation Studies market.

The University's English Language programme saw greater departures after the earthquake, but there has been renewed interest in enrolments as the seismic activity has decreased.

"We are starting to see a return in confidence in this area," says Dr Lorraine Petela, Director of Lincoln University's Foundation Studies and English Language Division.

"Overall, Lincoln University's specialist, land-based programmes have been resilient during a significantly demanding period," says Assistant Vice-Chancellor (External Relations and Development) Dr Stefanie Rixecker. "This resilience is attributable to our students as well as to the unique study options and outcomes we provide - including employer demand for Lincoln University's specialist, land-based graduates.

"We are confident that Lincoln University will recover well, and that with reduced seismic activity and confidence increasing student numbers will adjust accordingly. We are a national university and many of our courses are not duplicated elsewhere. That positions us well."

Lincoln University's Director of Marketing and Recruitment, Julia lnnocente-Jones, says that the institution has undertaken a number of initiatives in-market through existing relationships, alumni, international education fairs, specific marketing projects and, most importantly, hosting representatives from high commissions and consulates on campus. International delegations - such as the Uruguayan Minister for Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries and his team who visited recently - are now returning to Lincoln University, another sign that confidence is on the rise.

"We are also delighted that the University's newly created division, Lincoln University - Telford, continues to deliver its student numbers according to its 2011 schedule."