means of raising much-needed cash for operational costs.

And revenue could also be boosted by launching a recruitment drive for international students.

That was the message from the College's new president, Dr. George Cook, when he spoke at a Hamilton Rotary Club luncheon at the Princess Hotel yesterday.

Dr. Cook, who took up his post in July, further suggested changing the name of the college to the University College of Bermuda to reflect its new stature.

He told Rotarians that the college's operating grant from Government had been cut in the last two budgets, and was to be slashed again in the next budget.

"Bermuda College has become more sophisticated with greater responsibilities in a time of shrinking public funding,'' he said. "We have new buildings to maintain but no new money.'' He added the college could not make any more staff and programme cuts or else it would begin "cutting into muscle''.

The college was, therefore, challenged with developing new resources, especially because it could not raise fees without Government approval.

He said the college should be allowed "greater financial responsibility to determine for herself the best way of meeting her needs, without having to rely so heavily on Government for her revenues''.

"Tuition fees are still at $900 a year, exceptionally low,'' he said. "If fees were raised, then obviously we would also increase financial aid.'' Dr. Cook noted the college was charged with providing education for any qualified person who wanted one.

"Those able to pay would essentially be assisting those students less able to pay,'' he said.

Dr. Cook said another possible means of raising cash would be to work at increasing the number of international students at the college.

"There is a very small opportunity for growth from the local school population -- public or private. However, for the first time, we could actually attempt to recruit international students.

"In 1993/94 we are changing our diploma programmes, which are currently at the university level, into associate degrees. This simple change, more in name than in substance, might enable more people to understand the level of these programmes. It might also attract a steadily growing, if small, number of students from overseas. Increasing our international student enrolment, say, 15 percent of our enrolment, would lead to cultural benefits for our local students.

"However, more international students would bring income to the Island -- they pay rent, buy bikes and so on. They would also help pay for the cost of running Bermuda College.'' The possibility of establishing BA degrees in tourism, international business or education -- in association with overseas institutions -- would also help to increase the international student population, he said.

He added that the College should change its status to "reflect its new stature''.

"We should become the University College of Bermuda,'' he said.

Giving an update on the college's planned move from Roberts Avenue to the Stonington Campus, he said a faculty centre for the arts and science, hotel and business administrations was underway and expected to open in June of 1993.

This would leave the following buildings to construct before the move was complete: a 200-seat auditorium, 12 classrooms, art and music facilities and a gymnasium.

"Once these are built we will leave Roberts Avenue, close down some very inefficient buildings, and in the process help the Minister of Education with his plans for a middle school on the site,'' Dr. Cook said.

The Hamilton Rotary Club welcomed its second female member yesterday since rules banning women from joining were relaxed this summer.

Government Cultural Affairs officer Mrs. Ruth Thomas, who presents Bermudian Profiles on ZBM television, will join the Club's first female Rotarian, Chamber of Commerce executive vice president Miss Carolyn Mello.