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Liaison Officer Assists Co-operation with Schools

Under the new University Entrance accrediting scheme, a liaison officer was appointed between each of the four Colleges and the post-primary schools in the area. At VUC Mr. A. H. Thom is doing valuable work in bringing the schools into closer contact with the University.

Relatively unknown to present senior students, he is an old acquaintance for this year's freshers, most of whom he has taught, advised or listened to in his trips round the schools. On his first visit of the year he discusses with the school staff the progress of their ex-pupils at Victoria. Later he comes back and talks to those intending to go to University, advises them on their courses, answers questions.

In the college he keeps an account of the school and university work of every student. The cards filled in by new students of this year will serve as a record of the product of each postprimary school in the district. Those going to other colleges from schools in the district are included in his files by a reciprocal arrangement with the other liaison officers. Mr. Thom particularly asked that those who changed their course would inform him, so that the cards should be filled in correctly.

The post-primary schools have welcomed contacts with the university, which in its turn, is interested in the work of the schools. "My job is everything that is implied by liaison," said Mr. Thom. He compared it with that of an army liaison officer, whose task, although unspectacular, was valuable in maintaining personal contacts between units. He bridges the gap between the two phases of education, enabling post-primary pupils to see clearly the function of the university, their teachers to watch their further progress, and the university staff to co-operate with the teachers in an integrated educational scheme.

Asked if he thought his work was succeeding, Mr. Thom replied "Yes. I was particularly pleased with the number of students and parents who came to see me, during February, for advice and information. It is too soon yet to say whether the talks on planning courses have been productive." The number of questions asked by intending students about university courses was a revelation.

Mr. Thom stressed the point that he was always available to give advice to students, "anybody at all, 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, 4th year, who wants to chew over problems of university work, is always welcome."