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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 13, No. 16. July 27, 1950

[Introduction]

There have been articles criticising many things in "Salient"—but the last issue was the first time in which the 300 per cent. majority of the student population at Victoria has been criticised.

From the flavour of the article it can be assumed that "C.B." is a full-timer.

Many part-timers will agree with "C.B." that their method of obtaining a degree is unsatisfactory. But that is the fault of the present education, system and the importance that people attach to it and not of the part-time student himself. Most students believe that the true role of the university is not to provide an advanced education for everyone. But the excuses to "go for a degree" are numerous these days and there are few who do not take advantage of them.

Education has become almost an obsession in this country. Headmasters coax pupils to stay on for University Entrance and then suggest a rosy future if they come back for a second year in the sixth form followed by a period at a university.

This has placed the wrong emphasis on university education. To keep, in line with this emphasis, young people who would not normally go to university, do so—for a degree may mean more pay, quicker promotion, and better positions. And in order to get this degree they must do their university work on a part-time basis.