03 May Massey University 2020 Annual Report
Massey University (Massey) managed to generate a surplus in a COVID-19 affected year, with distance enrolments growing strongly.
Our Take
- Massey Uni was greatly affected by COVID-19, as were all TEOs in 2020. Their distance learning enrolments grew markedly, and their blended learning systems allowed them to respond quickly to campus closures. Cost control avoided a major loss, even though revenue dropped.
- We couldn’t find a direct mention of Massey’s science restructuring in the annual report. It was one of the bigger public stories involving the university in 2020, even sparking select committee hearings on a petition (the committee urged the Minister to monitor the situation). The annual report did refer to a “whole-of-University process of modernising our academic offer”.
Key Facts
- This report is based on the Massey 2020 annual report (see our review of their 2019 report).
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EFTS were down 1.4% (-267) on 2019.
- International EFTS dropped 12.7%, and domestic EFTS rose 1.0%.
- EFTS dropped at each of the 3 main campuses (especially Auckland), but distance EFTS rose by 9.5%.
- Course completion remained low for Pacific students at L1-10 (65%).
- Student satisfaction dropped, especially for on-campus students (COVID-19 is the obvious influence).
- Work placements and internships dropped overall, and so did graduate employment rates.
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Massey had a surplus of $6.1m (1.2% of revenue), which was $11.6m below budget.
- Losses from international tuition and accommodation/hospitality income were offset by higher domestic enrolments and travel savings.
- A joint Massey-AgResearch food science building was completed, and a library refurbishment was started in Manawatū. The Sir Neil Waters Building extension opened in Auckland. The website and its underlying systems was redeveloped.
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COVID-19 responses included:
- a shift to online teaching, assessment and exams, utilising an existing focus on blended learning;
- leave balance reductions and a hold on recruitment; and
- open days shifted online.
- Research progress was impacted by COVID-19, especially for some types of staff (women, early-career and postgraduate researchers) and disciplines (creative and performing arts).
- A refreshed set of internal research grants was introduced in 2020 (p.30).
- The Massey-hosted Riddet Institute received renewed CoRE funding.
- A Kōmiti Māori was formed to assist with Māori academic promotions.
- Stuart Morriss, DVC Global Engagement, died in Jul 2020 after a short illness.
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