University halts enrolments for interest-only papers

Those planning to study at the University of Otago for fun next year will have to find a new hobby.

As part of its attempts to limit roll growth, "interest-only" enrolments will no longer be accepted.

It was not known how many people the decision would affect, a university spokeswoman, who did not want to be named, said.

Last year - the most recent figures available - interest-only enrolments totalled 26 equivalent full-time student places (efts), the spokeswoman said.

A full-time student workload is generally six to seven academic papers a year and most interest-only students complete only one paper a year, although some do two or three.

On that basis, up to 150 people might miss out on their recreational study, the Otago Daily Times has calculated.

The university is rapidly tightening enrolment criteria to try to limit the domestic student roll next year.

Enrolment caps have been imposed on 10 previously open-entry degree courses from semester two this year, and a two-tier enrolment system based primarily on academic achievement will be introduced from next year.

Efts places for next year's Summer School will also be reduced by 50.

The spokeswoman said interest-only efts contributed to the university's Government-funded efts roll and it had been decided those places should go to degree students.

Interest-only students, many of whom are retired people, pay the same fees as other students to study a paper, although they do not pay student association or welfare and recreation levies.

They have the option of completing assignments and generally do not sit exams.

However, the cost of teaching interest-only students was not substantially lower than for degree students, the spokeswoman said.

The university has also announced plans to suspend intakes in five sub-degree programmes from next year.

None of the courses had high enrolments, the spokeswoman said.

The number of efts last year for the certificate in fitness management was 4.3, certificate in sports studies 7, certificate in theological studies 0.8, diploma in sports studies 24.8 and diploma in theological studies 2.

allison.rudd@odt.co.nz