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The University of Otago and the man who sought to challenge aspects of his selection process this year have resolved the matter out of court.
The university and the man, whose name is suppressed, issued a statement this afternoon.
In it, they said that the man did not receive any compensation.
The agreement between the parties does not contain commitments on the part of the university regarding the outcome of any person’s application for admission to medical school or any change in the process.
However, it does include a concession that greater clarity and transparency about the process would be desirable.
The university’s processes have come under scrutiny this year, as leaders began to discuss whether the system that prioritizes students from minority backgrounds should be adjusted.
Priority is given to students who are selected through preferential pathways (Maori, Pacific, rural, low socioeconomic status, and refugees), but the scheme has resulted in competition being particularly intense on the general pathway.
Most of the students selected for sophomore medicine in 2020 went through the preferential tracks.
The legal challenge, which was to be heard in Superior Court, was expected to touch on those issues.
In resolving the matter, the university did not appear to give ground to the applicant.
“The university accepts that the procedures have highlighted the desirability of greater clarity and transparency in its medical admission process,” the joint statement said.
“The applicant is satisfied that the university will take appropriate action over time towards that result.
“Applicant agrees that any review of the admission process should be done in respectful consultation with a variety of stakeholders, including the Maori and Pasifika communities, and recognizes that court proceedings are a useless distraction that will not assist with the required thoughtful dialogue.”
The university’s Mirror on Society policy aims to generate a health workforce that better reflects the makeup of New Zealand society and the university has reaffirmed its commitment to that policy.
It is considered a cornerstone of admissions to professional health sciences programs in Otago.
The policy will be reviewed next year.
University leaders have not ruled out introducing changes such as limiting the number of students entering through preferential routes.
The parties involved in the legal challenge suggested in their statement that the discussions had been helpful.
“The constructive dialogue with the university has satisfied the applicant that the guidance for the future that a court ruling could provide is not necessary at this stage.”
