UCalgary students to protest tuition increase

The students at the University of Calgary (UCalgary) will protest on Friday at 11:30 a.m. against the university’s decision to approve a tuition increase for the fourth time.

It will take place outside the Administration Building on campus, where the board of governor’s meeting will be.

The UCalgary Students’ Union (SU) says this comes after the university did not consult students about the increase, and refused to provide information about “required financial reporting” that shows how the money is spent.

“The only direct student consultation the university engaged in was a 60-minute town hall, occurring as students began final exams in December,” said the union in a statement. “The town hall did not lead to any changes to the university’s tuition proposal, which students only learned about less than two weeks prior to the event.”

SU says a recent survey shows 67 per cent of students think the increase will put “a moderate or extreme strain on their finances,” and about one in five will not be able to afford tuition fees.

The union adds when the increase comes into effect, domestic students will pay 33 per cent more than they did in 2019, while international students will pay more than 40 per cent more.

UCalgary says “the fee increases being proposed are 5.5 per cent.”

Meanwhile, Trinity Fitzpatrick, a UCalgary student, says the protest is necessary, as the tuition increase might affect their education plans.

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“Students are using their voices and want to be heard. The proposed tuition increase is absurd. University students want to focus on their education. We want to graduate and become contributing members of society in our chosen professions,” Fitzpatrick told CityNews. “Gouging a population that already struggles to afford rent and groceries as inflation continues to rise is unfair. Education is extremely important for our society and for the students as individuals. We have goals and dreams, yet most of us will spiral into debt pursuing our passions.”

She adds the increase will add obstacles to people trying to advance in life.

“By significantly increasing tuition costs, the education system is furthering the divide between who can afford to attend university and who cannot, making it even more difficult for marginalized populations to break out of the poverty cycle. Education is power, and our institution is communicating to us that only those who can afford it are entitled to it.”

“A great deal of consideration is being given to the concerns expressed by students regarding the tuition and fees increases,” UCalgary told CityNews.

“The University of Calgary has been transparent about the process and provided undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to share their views with us during town hall meetings, the Tuition and Fees Consultation Committee and other avenues. We have received helpful feedback from students, which is helping to better inform our decisions and proposal,” read the statement.

The university says a new statement will be issued Friday after the board of governor’s meeting.