Media Release
14 February 2017
- for immediate release
Lincoln University’s transformation gathers pace
Lincoln University’s focus on improving its sustainability is paying off. The University embarked on a fitness programme
in August 2016, and that resulted in a strong last quarter result showing financial performance well ahead of forecast
with a positive surplus. The outlook for 2017 is strong.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Robin Pollard shared these results and other University developments with Lincoln University
staff today at an all staff forum.
“Our institutional robustness has not been easily won but expenditure reductions and efficiency improvements have seen
our finances return to positive, giving us the confidence to move ahead,” he said. “The return to surplus for 2016 and
measures included in the 2017 budget have the University on track to achieve low risk status in the government’s
monitoring framework.”
Professor Pollard updated staff on student numbers, earthquake insurance settlements, research income, and improved
results from Lincoln University Farms. He also mentioned the ongoing due diligence and discussions around the proposed
transfer of the Telford campus.
Lincoln’s 2017 focus is on improving the attractiveness of studying at the university; with responsibility for course
offerings resting with each faculty.
2017 Directions
Lincoln University is moving ahead with renewed vigour and confidence, according to Professor Pollard, and the
University is in good shape to set a path for the future.
The University’s Transformation Programme aims to reassess and re-articulate the vision for Lincoln University, to best
achieve the vision set by the Lincoln University Council. A Transformation Board is being appointed, which will engage
widely with people and organisations with a stake in the future success of Lincoln University, providing feedback to
guide the University in this next phase of its development. Professor Robin Pollard is leading the consultation and all
stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide input. This programme will take place over the next six to eight
months.
University staff have also been updated on progress for the new Lincoln University-AgResearch joint facility. The
business case for this major infrastructure project was submitted to Hon Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Tertiary
Education, Skills and Employment last month. The facility will provide a new operating model for learning clusters,
allowing multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary collaboration. A new concept is that everyone is engaged in
learning, from first year students through to professional researchers. “Learning involves teaching, research and
experiences, and the joint facility will be ideal for that,” Professor Pollard said.