17 Nov 2010

Tertiary institutions defend ad spending

8:40 pm on 17 November 2010

Tertiary institutions have defended their advertising spending against criticism by the Tertiary Education Union.

The union says institutions are spending millions on advertising even though there are more domestic students than they can enrol.

But universities and polytechnics say the spending also targets international students - a group not limited by government enrolment caps.

They say it also helps to build reputations, connect with alumni, fund-raise and promote community events.

They say the figure cited by the union - $18 million spent by 16 institutions - includes salaries and publications as well as advertising.

Lincoln cuts back

Meanwhile, Lincoln University is planning cutbacks as it prepares to record its third consecutive annual deficit.

The university has been dogged by low enrolment in recent years, but hopes to improve its finances next year.

It is the country's smallest university, with 2500 full-time students.

It was the only public tertiary institution to record a deficit last year.

Lincoln vice-chancellor Roger Field says it is not about to go under.

Changes are needed, but it has no debt and a strong balance sheet.