wfn.org | Africa University directors approve sixth discipline

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

March 17, 2000 News media contact: Linda Green·(615)742-5470·Nashville,
Tenn. 10-31-71B{151}

By Andra Stevens*

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) -- Africa University's board of directors gave
preliminary approval to a proposal to launch the school's sixth faculty, a
discipline in health sciences, during their first meeting of the new
millennium.

The board members acted on the proposal during their March 14-16 meeting.
The university has set the training of physicians and dentists as a
long-term goal of the proposed faculty, or department.

The health sciences faculty will focus on three basic programs. The school
aims to offer two-year bachelor's degrees for certified nurses and allied
health professionals. It is also considering launching a bachelor's degree
program in environmental and public health.

A dean will be appointed in the 2001-2002 academic year and assigned to
develop a detailed implementation plan with funding projections. 

The board also learned that enrollment in the United Methodist-related
institution is projected to reach 900 students by July, from a current
student body of 871. 

"The board met at a time when we are facing very difficult situations not
only here in Zimbabwe but in Africa as a whole, given the prevalence of
civil strife, the recent disasters in Southern Africa and the deteriorating
economic environment," said Vice Chancellor Rukudzo Murapa.

"For Africa University, the hostile macro-economic environment in Zimbabwe,
characterized by excessively high inflation, interest and unemployment
rates, has increased expenditure and had a very negative impact on our
revenue base," Murapa said. "As a result, the university is cutting spending
wherever it can without affecting the quality of services and looking for
ways to increase its income."

Though concerned about economic difficulties faced by students and their
families, board members approved the administration's proposal for an
increase in tuition for the 2000-2001 academic year. The annual tuition fee
for undergraduate students at Africa University will rise by 20 percent --
from U.S.$1,810 to U.S.$2,175 -- an increase of U.S.$365.

"These are painful but necessary changes for the whole institution," Murapa
said. "But, as a private university, we must operate in a sustainable way,
and that includes maintaining a reasonable level of student contributions to
the cost of running the institution." 

Due to the economic climate, the university will cut back on the number of
new positions, limit equipment and other capital purchases, and award modest
salary increases this year, Murapa said. Hiring will be kept at a minimum,
and first priority will be given to academic needs in hiring and purchasing
to ensure that students continue to receive a high quality education. 

In the current academic year, student fees cover only 26 percent of
operating expenses. Grants from the general budget of the United Methodist
Church and special gifts form a substantial subsidy to cover the balance of
the recurrent expenses and capital costs. In addition, Africa University
provided more than U.S.$600,000 in scholarships and financial aid to assist
needy students with their fees. More than a third of the students are
receiving some form of scholarship or grant.

"We will continue to creatively and aggressively seek out the means to
assist young people from poor families because this university is deeply
committed to providing opportunities for such students," Murapa said. 

In May, Africa University will go before the United Methodist General
Conference, the top legislative body of the denomination, for a review and
renewal of funding. In 1988, the General Conference, which meets every four
years, approved the Africa University project with funding of U.S.$2.5
million each year. That funding has continued at the same level since then,
despite the school's rapid growth. Africa University will ask the United
Methodist Church for an increase to $14 million in funding at the May
meeting. The increased funding will help the school launch the new Faculty
of Health Sciences and cope with demands related to growth.

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*Stevens is the director of the Office of Information at Africa University.

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United Methodist News Service
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