As regards (e) of paragraph 22, the existing scheme for Baptist College students in the first two post-A level years provide for a maximum loan of $2,400 and a maximum grant of $2,000. This compares to maxima under the Student Finance Scheme in 1980-81 of $6,250 and $3,250 for students at the universities and $6, 250 and $1, 795 for students at the Polytechnic. The new role envisaged for the College, in providing sub-degree and eventually degree courses, will mean that its post-A level students will be following similar courses to those provided at the universities and the Polytechnic. It is proposed to bring the post-A level students at the Baptist College into the Student Finance Scheme for students at the universities and the Polytechnic. The arrangements necessary for this expansion of the Student Finance Scheme mean that it will be im- plemented in time for the 1982/83 academic year. The cost of providing this financial assistance for 3 years of post-A level students at the Baptist College is estimated at about $7.5 million for loans and $3.9 million for grants in 1982/83, rising to $7.9 million and $4. 1 million respectively by 1983/84. These figures are based on the current take-up rate by Baptist College students.
29
The fee ceiling of $3,600 by 1984/5 is the figure determined on the advice of Members for degree courses in 1984/5.
30
As regards (f) of paragraph 22, the College is now planning to build 43 flats for its staff within its existing site. The accommodation, varying in size from 50m2 to 65m2, would be contained in a 13-storey residential tower on the western side of the present campus. There is no denying the need of the College to provide housing for eligible staff. How- ever, given the limited size of the College campus it is felt that such development would inhibit further academic development.
31
Because staff housing is such a critical item in the retention of good academic staff, and it is felt that the College should be asked to keep this site earmarked for possible future academic development (with the funds raised for the flats re-allocated to, say, re-equipment of the College laboratories), the Government should provide a grant for the purchase of comparable flats elsewhere. Such a grant is unlikely to create any undesirable precedents for any other subvented tertiary education, institutions because of the modest nature of the accommodation to be provided.
G.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.