The University of Otago might face a decline similar to
Otago's sports teams, as a combination of regional
demographics, tertiary underfunding, and ongoing publicity
about student unrest hit home, a university council member
has predicted.
The comments from Judge Oke Blaikie came out of left field at
a university council meeting yesterday during a discussion on
the institution's budget for 2012.
Judge Blaikie, who is also chairman of the university's
disciplinary appeals board, said ongoing publicity about
student unrest and fires was contributing to a negative
perception among parents of potential students.
"There is a perception among parents, which I have
encountered while travelling. Some are saying to me, 'I'm not
sure I'm happy about sending my son or daughter to Otago',"
he said.
Negative nationwide publicity about student unrest had
decreased, since troublesome events such as the Undie 500 and
toga parades had ceased.
But there was ongoing reporting about the increased instances
of fires being lit in the student quarter, Judge Blaikie
said.
Emergency services responded to reports of bonfires and couch
fires in the student quarter on weekends of the Rugby World
Cup final, and on consecutive weekends which included Guy
Fawkes Day and the end of exams on November 12.
Judge Blaikie said media were not following up on the
disciplinary processes of students allegedly involved in such
situations.
The judge called for more balanced reporting, and more focus
on the outcomes of the disciplinary process, compared with
the initial reporting of the alleged fire-lighting incidents.
The Otago Daily Times asked the university if media would be
given access to reports on disciplinary hearings for
students, given Judge Blaikie's comments.
University spokeswoman Megan McPherson said, in an emailed
statement, that regulations prohibit media from attending
code-of-conduct disciplinary hearings. They were to be in
private and proceedings confidential.
Judge Blaikie could not be contacted after the council
meeting yesterday.
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