President

Two weeks ago the University Careers [unclear: dvisory] Service organised a Graduate Employ-[unclear: ent] Seminar, inviting University academics. [unclear: aduate] employees from downtown, and repre-[unclear: rform] much better in arts subjects and are [unclear: e] New Zealand University Students' Asser[unclear: tion].

This seminar illustrated in many ways the [unclear: rcical] nature of our education system. Over the [unclear: ast] few years with increasing unemployment for [unclear: aduate] students, the majority of students are [unclear: nding] to take more career orientated courses. [unclear: he] majority of school counselling services give [unclear: e] impression that in terms of ensuring a job [unclear: ae] is better to take a dourse such as Business [unclear: dminstration], BCA, LLB, Architecture or [unclear: me] of the sciences, rather than the traditional [unclear: ts]. This advice is often given without [unclear: nsidering] the large number of students who [unclear: erform] much better in arts subjects and are [unclear: ore] interested in those subjects.

Predominently, the employers fell that many students, merely because theyhad, say, a BCA [unclear: agree], would not necessarily make good employ-[unclear: s.] Many [unclear: expresse one] opinion that they would [unclear: refer] students to have a more varied degree, [unclear: lore] importantly I feel, many employers stated [unclear: at] if a particular person performed better in an [unclear: rts] degree this would actually be a better basis [unclear: or] employment, than if they had more career [unclear: rientated] degree with not so good marks.

Although it appeared that most of the aca-[unclear: emics] did not seem all all aware of this ironical [unclear: ate] of affairs, it was stood to see the Dean of [unclear: commerce] and Administration. Prof Graeme [unclear: ogelberg], showing a more realistic and modern [unclear: ray] of thinking. He has been encouraging [unclear: students] enrolling in his faculty to take a more [unclear: aried] course, for example, not taking as many [unclear: ccoutancy-type] courses, but to take something [unclear: hey] are particularly good at, or interested in.

I think one of the most enlightening comments made was by Mr Colin Knox, from the Wellington City Council. He felt that students today were having far too much work to do throughout the year with the introduction of compulsory internal assessment, and that from the point of view of employing students, he personally found it much more desirable for students to be given the opportunity to develop their interests in other areas in the Univeristy structure, not just academically. It was interesting to note that this comment was backed up by other employers.

What a pity the University doesn't think the same way!

The seminar from the students point of view was very productive and because of it I think we are in a much stronger position to fight against compulsory assessment and replace it with a system of choice i.e. to concentrate on internal assessment olr to opt for a final exam. We don't want both. It was also extremely productive because we found out just what downtown employers are looking for in student graduates. Obviously there has been a massive communication breakdown between the University, secondary schools, and employers. This seminar gave an opportunity for a closer relationship to develop between these various groups.

This week, of course, is the Executive Elections. There are polling boths in the library foyer and the Union Building foyer. I hope all students will exercise their right to vote — it only takes a minute.

For something completely different — this Friday at the Victoria Club, we have organised a mini-concert. There will be a folk singer, and then the Mangaweka Viaduct Rhythm and Blues Band will be performing from about 4pm till approximately 12 that night. Admission is free, if you havn't seen this band before, I can promise you, you will have a really good night.

Caroline Massof