BU proposed tuition fee hike on the agenda tonight
6/2/2010 at 5:09 PM
Just received a press release from the student's union regarding a proposed 5% tuition fee hike that has been tabled by the University. In addition to 5% next year, approval of the hike would amount to an almost 10% hike over the next two years. The raise will be discussed at tonight's 5:30 PM meeting of the BU Board of Governors.
I've pasted the BUSU press release below. It would be nice to represent both sides if anyone has access to information on the proposed raise from the University's perspective.
Thoughts?
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The full press release:
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BRANDON – Brandon University’s Board of Governors will meet tonight to discuss the 2010-2011 university budget. The proposed budget contains a 5% percent tuition increase for all students, the maximum increase allowed by the provincial government this year. If approved, students will see an almost 10% increase in tuition fees over a two-year period.
“We are extremely concerned about the impact a 5% tuition fee increase will have on students’ access to post-secondary education in Brandon”, said Jade Visser, President of Brandon University Students’ Union. “We acknowledge that this is a tough budget year, but placing a budget shortfall on the backs of students and working families is not the answer.”
Representatives from the Brandon University Students’ Union and the Canadian Federation of Students will be in attendance at the Board of Governors meeting tonight. Students will be proposing amendments to the budget to reallocate resources so that Brandon University can continue to prioritize equitable access for current and future students.
“Tuition fees are the number one barrier to attending or completing post-secondary studies by students. These high tuition fees are coupled with the increased costs of transportation and housing, especially for rural, northern, and out of province students who have to relocate or commute" said Laura Balanko, Vice-President Internal of Brandon University Students’ Union. “By continuing to prioritize low up-front barriers and low tuition fees, Brandon University will be seen as a leader in Post-Secondary Education in Manitoba and Canada.”
Open session for the Board of Governors meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm tonight in room 043 of the Health Studies Complex.
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