Otago University staff union backs restricting student numbers

A University of Otago staff union has backed restricting student numbers, but not at the expense of poorer students.

University Vice-Chancellor Dr Graeme Fogelberg has suggested the university needs to consider restricting numbers to ease pressure on infrastructure and maintain academic standards.

The Association of University Staff Otago branch committee said it generally favoured the idea, but had reservations about the process.

President Mark Peters said after a committee meeting: "It's something that needs to be fair and equitable to financially disadvantaged students in the community but not something that disadvantages students on academic grounds either."

Rapidly rising student numbers had increased workloads for many staff and put pressure on resources, he said.

- NZPA