SARS is no deterrent for students
Only one student from the University of Bergen (UiB) has
left China due to fear of the SARS virus. Despite recent news,
interest for studies in the Far East is increasing. So far,
there are eight applications for the Chinese University of
Hong Kong this autumn. Today, UiB has eight students in China,
three in Shanghai, three in Hong Kong and two in Kunming.
In addition, there are two students from UiB in Singapore,
where SARS is present. UiB doesn’t know what will happen to
those who have applied for the exchange programs in China
this autumn. Charlotte Lillefjære of UiB’s Office of International
Relations says they have nobody waiting to go to Beijing,
where there has been a large number of SARS cases. Fortunately,
nobody wants to go to China now, she says. According to Lillefjære,
recommendations from the World Health Organization, WHO, will
determine UiB’s actions.
New price policy at Kvarteret
If you plan to visit Kvarteret, remember to bring your student
ID card! The establishment wants to enhance its profile as
a students’ place. Starting May 1st, prices are now steep
for non-students. - We have had slow sales recently, and therefore
need to increase prices. At the same time we want to enforce
our profile as a cheap place for students, says Guri Idsø
Viken of the board at Kvarteret. Guests and volunteers at
Kvarteret welcomes the new system.
Reform for the few
Only students of law and examen philosophicum students will
get more guidance and be taught in smaller groups after this
year’s summer vacation. Poor funding is to blame for this.
Sverre Spildo, who is assistant manager at UiB, says that
current students won’t notice the ‘quality reform’ much apart
from the new degrees. The reason for this is the lack of 110
million NOK from the government. The University of Oslo (UiO)
has the same problem. Torill Johansson of UiO is afraid there
will be few quality enhancements this autumn. - You can delete
the word quality in front of reform, she says.
ALEXANDER KEMP
07.05.03
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