By Jessica Rowe
Canterbury University is facing a $17 million deficit as it deals with unprecedented challenges following the February earthquake.
The campus suffered millions of dollars of damage from the earthquake forcing insurance premiums to double.
Earthquake repairs and construction are well underway at Canterbury University, but while it is on the rebuild enrolment numbers are falling fast.
Students on campus say they are not surprised. They say people still feel unsure about Christchurch and want to be somewhere safe, and where there is a more thriving social life. With buildings shut and facilities down, the campus is less than appealing.
Students were forced to take time off university and attend lectures in a tent.
Over the next eight years, the university is expecting an estimated drop of 19,500 full-time students. Although the university’s vice chancellor, Rodd Carr, says they are not talking “about dramatic”.
“We are talking about somewhat less than we expected and we won’t know until, essentially February, what that looks like.”
The university is facing a $17.4 million deficit next year.
Insurance premiums have more than doubled, and it is dealing with increased energy costs, lost tuition fees, and additional scholarships to attract students to enrol.
But that total deficit would fall to around $11 million after insurance.
The government has agreed to fund the university at pre-quake numbers until the end of next year.
But the university will not know its student numbers for next year until December 10 when applications close
3 News