Education

Contingencies for cash-strapped universities

09:08 am on 27 October 2020

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Hard financial decisions are facing universities trying to balance the books and deliver full student services next year - this after each 2020 semester has been affected with Covid disruptions, lockdowns and online learning. Polytechnics and universities have warned an expected leap in domestic enrolments next year will not make up for the loss of foreign students. Voluntary redundancies are likely at the Auckland, Waikato and Victoria Universities and science staff at Massey University have been warned of job losses and that some specialist courses face the chop. Victoria University Vice Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford, and the University of Otago's outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne  reflect on what has been an educational rollercoaster this year and to look ahead to 2021. Also joining the discussion, President of the Tertiary Education Union, Michael Gilchrist.

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