University endorses decadence

The university endorses wholeheartedly this decadence if it does not provide free creche facilities for the children of student-parents. As an institution it is clearly revealing that academic interest does not need to involve human interest. Academic philanthropy is shown to be hypocrisy when the university cannot recognise the simple but pressing needs of students who are parents. A student-parent is the only member of society who cannot do a fulltime course at this university if he/she wishes.

At present there are creche facilities partly financed by the university at 67 Fairlie Terrace. Extensions are being planned, (and have basically been approved) into the house next door, but these will be delayed as long as the university continues to grumble that the house is 'not up to standard' and may require an expenditure of ten thousand dollars in improvements. This house is a sound structure and does not need such a massive expenditure in improvements.

Despite this new extension, Fairlie Terrace will remain an infeasible and token creche for student-parents Prom the confusing amount of government 'welfare' regulations, it can be seen that a certain number of children are permitted to use the creche in any one hour. This means that the children are booked in by the hour, of which the total number of hours per week is recommended as being the tiny sum of six! Extra hours may be obtainable hereafter at an extra but minimal rate, but the stipulation remains as a harrassment. The average student-parent, under this system, can do at the very most, only 18 credits, or half a fulltime course. Booking children in by the individual hour rather than for afternoons or mornings or full days at a time is frustrating and impractical. Student-parents must spend most of their time travelling to and from the university for the small number of hours the child may be booked in.