University of Canterbury Brings in Hi-Tech Buildings

2 March 2011

Media Release

University of Canterbury Brings in Hi-Tech Buildings for Progressive Restart

The University of Canterbury is bringing in Hi-Tech buildings to assist with the progressive restart of the University year.

The University will install an additional 8000 square metres of space on the University Oval.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr says it is planned for the new buildings to be operational within eight weeks.

“The University of Canterbury is committed to delivering a quality full-year academic programme of teaching this calendar year. Although the majority of our buildings have passed initial visual inspection, not all UC teaching facilities will be certified safe within the next six to eight weeks because of the comprehensive process we are required to undertake to achieve building certification to reoccupy. These buildings will take us one step closer to the progressive re-start of our teaching and research programmes,” Dr Carr says.

The sixty 12 x 12 square metre open plan spaces will be available for lectures, seminars, study groups and open plan offices for staff.

Dr Carr says the University is looking at a number of alternative ways to deliver programmes this semester including offsite delivery, online learning and bringing forward field study.

“For example the College of Education already has a well-developed, flexible online learning programme that can enable students to study off campus.”

Today UC announced that it is offering study abroad options at the University of Adelaide for this semester for up to 500 selected University of Canterbury undergraduate students who hold a New Zealand passport. Students selected for this exchange should be able to travel to Adelaide as soon as this weekend.

ENDS

© Scoop Media