New campus boosts interest in UCOL

WHANGANUI UCOL's new Taupo Quay- Rutland St Campus has already spurred enrolment inquiries from throughout the country.
Myra McIntyre, head of the polytechnic's Quay School of the Arts, last night said the new campus, along with the school's excellent reputation, was a big drawcard.
"There is excitement about the new campus and its good facilities. Already I am sending out enrolment forms to people wanting to move here for the Bachelor of Fine Arts course when the campus opens in February next year. "Next year, I believe, will be the best year the Quay School of Arts has had since I came here three years ago."
This year had seen an increase in student numbers, with the first year intake numbering 19 full-timers and seven part-timers. Most, if not all, intended to continue their studies here next year.
Although the school's second and third-year student numbers initially were not so large, they had increased, mainly through students transferring to Wanganui from other institutions.
"We have about 18 second-year full-time students, 10 full-time third-year students and 14 full-time and one part time fourth year students.
"The Glass School numbers also are positive. There are at least 17 full-time three-year diploma students, of whom nine are first-year students. A number of BFA students are also doing glass as an option."
As to the future of the Glass School, which only continued to take first year students after the Wanganui District Council intervened early this year, Ms McIntyre said UCOL was "working in collaboration with the district council to maintain glass education in Wanganui for UCOL students."
Ms McIntyre confirmed David Walker, the chair of Whanganui UCOL's Creative Industries Degree, had resigned and taken up a position in Auckland. A decision on the three-year degree's future was expected early month, she said.
Its first intake was in 2006, and the second-year five full-time and one part time students would continue at Whanganui UCOL.
UCOL decided not to have a 2007 intake.
Jule Einhorn, UCOL's Whanganui Campus project director, last night said 79 percent of trade tenders for the new campus buildings had been awarded.
"Construction is in full swing, with structural steel and concrete wall panels nearly completed and roofing commencing shortly."
Change had been made to specialist facilities for trades and sports on the new campus, in line with recent developments and discussions.
"UCOL is still intending to offer trades programmes in Whanganui; however, alternative options are being explored for workshop facilities.
"There is classroom space for both trades and sports, but the cost of replicating trade workshop facilities is in excess of $1.5m and student numbers over the last few years do not support this level of expenditure.
"The head of applied technology for UCOL, Marius Dryfhout, and the Whanganui UCOL trades team, are talking with schools and industry personnel, retailers, iwi and community users to discuss potential solutions."
Progress was also being made reviewing sport education needs with Sport and Recreation Whanganui and the Wanganui District Council, with a proposal for a year-long level 4 programme that included two strands to meet community needs.
Ms Einhorn said one of these dealt with health and nutrition, and the other was based on coaching and sports administration.
"The consultation process is continuing. Provision for sports facilities on the new campus were put on hold to take time to consider the outcome of consultation. In the meantime the (Whanganui) UCOL Sport and Fitness Centre continues to operate at Wilson St," Ms Einhorn said.