Rectors talk tough on who pays for expansion

GREEK rectors have warned that unless the government finds more money for higher education they will recommend closing universities for the second time in a year.

Last March rectors shut colleges but lifted the ban prior to the general election in early summer. They want Gerasimos Arsenisas, the new secretary of state for education, to explain who will bear the cost of over 3,000 additional students they were forced to accept at the start of the academic year.

They also want the immediate withdrawal of the government plan to freeze academic promotions; a timetable for legislation on free state education; assurances that next year's budget allocation will give more cash to higher education; and a timetable for rises to bring their salaries on a par with judges.

Mr Arsenisas has promised his support for the rectors' demands and asked for a period of grace to convince the government for the need for more money.

But the chancellors have run out of patience. Last year's budget allocation has all but been exhausted.

Meanwhile press reports are expounding the view of the private university lobby that if universities managed their vast properties better they could yield enough income to take away the need for state subsidy.

However many of the buildings are bequests and are neglected and others dilapidated. Most have been given to the universities under special covenant which in many cases cannot be altered.