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The Council Of Knox College And Salmond Hall (Incorporated)

Terms of reference

The Council of Knox College and Salmond Hall

(1) To have full power to appoint and remove all officers of Knox College and of Salmond Hall other than those appointed by the Assembly, and to determine from time to time the fees to be charged in both residence and tuition - it always being understood that the charges made are to be kept as moderate as possible, any profit accruing to be used for the further development of the College and Salmond Hall.

(2) To have full power to make rules for conducting its own business and the discipline and management of Knox College and Salmond Hall (See Constitution of Knox College and Salmond Hall - Book of Order)

(3) To accept control of Hewitson Wing (formerly the Theological Hall Building) and Hewitson Library and to be responsible for their maintenance.

Recommendation

THAT the Constitution of the Council of Knox College and Salmond Hall be amended to provide for the Principal of the School of Ministry to be a member of the Council of Knox College and Salmond Hall, ex officio.

Report

1. Membership of the Council

1.1 During the course of 2000-01, four members of the Council resigned and three new members were appointed. The four who left were Her Honour Judge Annis Somerville (1977-2001) , the Rev Dr. Simon Rae (1989-2001) , Ms Bronwen Strang (1995-2001) and Emeritus Professor J. Graham Mortimer (1992-2001) . New appointees are the Rev Principal Neville Emslie, the Rev. Graeme Munro, Professor David Skegg and Mrs Lisa Wells.

1.2 The Council is of the opinion that, as is the case with the Masters of Knox College and Salmond Hall, the Principal of the School of Ministry should be a member of Council ex officio. It recommends accordingly.

2. Student Accommodation

2.1 In the report to the 2000 Assembly, it was predicted that both Salmond Hall and Knox College would experience full occupancy for 2001. Happily, this situation was achieved and then exceeded, with Salmond Hall, at the request of the University, supervising and administering accommodation for an extra 24 students in flats contiguous to the Hall. In all, the two institutions offered accommodation to 396 University, Polytechnic and Teachers' College students, representing a 107% occupancy rate.

2.2 The year 2002 saw a significant fall in numbers due to discontinuing the use of flats for students by Salmond Hall, notwithstanding a small increase in accommodation at Knox College. Nevertheless, the two institutions enjoy full occupancy.

3. Knox College

3.1 During 2001, the College was home for 193 residents, of whom eight were Resident Fellows and 185 undergraduates. This number has increased for 2002, with 189 undergraduates and ten Resident Fellows. A satisfying rate of return of residents is still enjoyed by the College, with 68 applying for readmission for at least a second year in 2001 and 84 in 2002, which assists in the maintaining of a stable and supportive community.

3.2 For the undergraduate members of the community, 2001 was a year of many successes, academically, culturally and in sport. 493 papers were examined midyear, with 28% of them having received a grade of A- or better. This figure decreased slightly to 25% during the end of year examinations. However, grades gained for the 2002 mid-year examinations have exceeded the previous two years. College tutorials, made possible through the assistance of the College Tutorial Fund and which are currently offered in 21 papers, play a large part in assisting residents from Knox College and Salmond Hall with their studies.

3.3 As well as due emphasis being placed on academic assistance and achievement, the College has continued to have a strong cultural, sporting and social programme.

3.4 Following the 2001 Anzac Day Service, the Ross Chapel was closed and the interior demolished and reconstructed. The Chapel's new interior was dedicated on 16th December by the Very Rev. Emeritus Professor G.A.F. Knight during a service conducted by the Master. While closed, Chapel Services were held in Cameron Hall. Following the reopening of the Chapel, attendance at College weekly Chapel Services has increased significantly. At each Service the music is led by either the Knox College Choral Scholars (of whom there are eight) or the Knox College Choir.

3.5 Gatherings of former Collegians have been held in various cities through the country. The Master has attended the gatherings, which he has addressed giving each of them an up-to date account of the College and its life today.

3.6 The College was greatly saddened during 2001 by the death of two former Matrons, both of whom had made significant contributions to the life of the College and to the lives of hundreds of College residents. Mrs Joyce Brown, the College's Matron from 1973 until 1978, died on the 6th June and Mrs Isabella (Ella) Ryburn (née Paterson) , who had served as Matron from 1954 until 1969, died on the 31st August. The Council has resolved that a plaque in memory of Mrs Ryburn be erected in the Ross Chapel.

4. Salmond Hall

4.1 2001 represented the second year of Mr. Bruce Cowan's Mastership at Salmond Hall and the first year in which he was able to choose Salmond Hall's residents. It also marked the highest ever roll of students, with 204 residents.

4.2 Student life at Salmond Hall throughout 2001 was thoroughly enjoyed by its residents, who continued to be stimulated by a balanced environment, conducive to the undergraduate experience. The Students' Association held an extensive range of activities, which enjoyed a high level of participation by residents, planning an event every second week.

4.3 Academically, 2001 was a success for the Hall, with five residents gaining entry into the medicine course at the University's Medical School.

4.4 During the first semester of 2001, a small Christian cell group was established in Salmond, meeting each week in the Chapel. Attendance at the group was good at the beginning of the semester, but tailed off markedly towards its conclusion. It did not continue into the second semester. In 2002 a similar, non-denominational group led by two of the previous-year's residents has been meeting each week and has attracted an enthusiastic and large group with a varied programme.

4.5 The staff at Salmond Hall have been very busy throughout 2001, during both term time and vacations hosting visitors and conferences. It was an extremely full and busy year for the staff, and it was with some regret that celebrations of the Hall's 30th year were not possible.

4.6 The first semester of 2002 was marred by the death of one of the residents, an 18 year-old Commerce student from Hong Kong, from meningococcal septicaemia. The death, which occurred at Easter, had a considerable effect on students and staff alike, but it has been pleasing to see them recovering quickly from the tragedy and regaining a high level of morale, while at the same time gaining a new awareness of the importance of looking after each other really well.

5. The Council's Financial Situation and Property

5.1 An important future project is the earthquake strengthening and restoration of Knox College's Tower Block. A Conservation Plan has been commissioned, a necessary step before seeking funding. During the 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 long vacations the Salmond Hall re-roofing project was continued, despite problems with a wet summer. During the 2001/2002 summer break significant renovations were undertaken at Salmond Hall and ongoing repainting and routine maintenance were carried out at Knox College.

5.2 The Council's Finance Committee continues to meet monthly and exercises close supervision of its finances. The downturn in student numbers in 2000 placed considerable strain on the Council's finances, but happily this situation was not repeated in 2001. As in 2001, the financial outlook for the 2002 year is good.

5.3 Following the Council's accommodation fee freeze during 2001, the decision was made to increase fees by 5% for 2002 at both Knox College and Salmond Hall, in line with other Residential Colleges and Halls. This has had little or no impact on applications or resident numbers.

6. The Hewitson Library

6.1 The low value of the New Zealand dollar and poor funding have continued to have an adverse effect on Collection development. Nevertheless, the Library has received a large number of donations from retired Ministers and deceased Ministers' estates. Many volumes were added to the collection as replacements for worn or missing copies or as duplicates.

6.2 On the 17th July 2001 the Hewitson Library Review Panel submitted its report to the Council of Knox College and Salmond Hall. This panel had been sitting for eleven months and its report was gratefully received. Copies of the report were forwarded to interested parties for comment, and a number of submissions were received. A sub-committee of Council members was established to consider the report and the submissions, reporting back to the Council at the end of the year. While the report made many sound and important recommendations, it is clear that financing them will be the major stumbling block.

6.3 In May 2001 the Interim Librarian indicated that she no longer wished to renew her Employment Agreement, and consequently her employment ceased. Since then, the Hewitson Library has continued at a reduced staffing level, with two part time Library Assistants and a full time Cataloguer. Once the report of the Review Panel was received, the Council gave consideration to appointing a new Librarian. A new appointment is expected to be made during 2002.

6.4 Library statistics for 2001 are as follows:-

6.5 The Council is firmly committed to the ongoing viability, growth and prospering of the Hewitson Library. It sees the Library as an integral part of Knox College, serving the School of Ministry, the Church at large, the University, members of the general public as well as College members. Accordingly, the Council is prepared to commence a widespread appeal for funding that hopefully will make the Library financially independent, thus taking considerable pressure off the Presbyterian Church resources. However, before the Council embarks on such a task, it seeks reassurance from the Church that its intentions is that the Hewitson Library remains part of Knox College.

7. General

7.1 The Council is always conscious of its responsibility to provide the best possible residential accommodation for tertiary students. This requires, inter alia, ongoing maintenance, development and redevelopment, the provision of up-to-date equipment and the offering of academic tutorial support and encouragement. In order to do so, funds well beyond those provided by student accommodation fees are required. Grants and donations from outside sources are essential. The Council gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Synod of Otago & Southland in this regard. The Council is about to embark on a funding strategy that will assist it in performing its duties and responsibilities in the future.

7.2 The Council gratefully acknowledges the efforts of the two Masters and all members of staff, without whom Knox College (including the School of Ministry and the Hewitson Library) and Salmond Hall would not be the thriving communities that they are.

G.B. Petersen

Chairman

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