STUDENT numbers at UCD have grown threefold since 1960, according to the latest annual report from the college's president. Over the same period, postgraduate numbers have increased by 700 per cent.
In 1994-95, there were 16,378 students enrolled, the first time numbers have exceeded 16,000. This figure includes II, III full time undergraduates, 1,529 part time students and 3,738 postgraduates.
UCD is the largest university in the Republic and attracts the highest number of first preference applications in the CAO system.
In his report, the president, Dr Art Cosgrove, says increased student intake has not been matched by proportionate increases in staff. "Academic staff are thus working with heavier teaching loads, which inevitably encroach on the opportunity for research."
The provision by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) of more promotional opportunities for highly qualified, experienced staff would not only be justified but would also be a worthwhile investment at relatively small cost in the future of university education, he asserts.
On the proposals for new university legislation, Dr Cosgrove says the presidents of the National University of Ireland colleges have made clear their unwillingness to countenance a diminution in the role of the president or in the independence of the governing body.
"Fundamentally, the key issue is to try to get the balance right between legitimate concerns of the State acting on behalf of the public - about the expenditure of public funds and the appropriate degrees of freedom of the university to exercise control over the studies and research which are inherent in its role and traditions."
Despite the abolition of fees, the academic competition for admission to university would continue while the number of places available was insufficient. If there was to be an expansion in the number of places, there must also be an increase in resources.
"It is regrettable that evening students have not been included in the no fees measures. They are faced with an exceptionally onerous burden, and those who are wage and salary earners can claim no tax relief on the fees to be paid from their own already taxed earnings."
Dr Cosgrove says that UCD's accumulated deficit was eliminated last September, as required by the High Education Authority. The governing body has agreed to give names to all buildings and lecture theatres, in order to treasure the college's history and keep it alive for succeeding generations. The arts commerce building in Belfield is to be named after John Henry Newman; administration after Michael Tierney; and the sports centre after John Ryan.
