OUSA Warns of Unpredictable Student Response
MEDIA RELEASE
7 May 2001
For immediate release
OUSA Warns of Unpredictable Student Response
The Otago
University Students’ Association fears student responses to
tuition fee increases could resemble those of the
1990’s.
“Students are under the impression that a decade of escalating tuition costs is over. If the University is seriously contemplating fee increases then students will undoubtedly be angry,” said OUSA President Ayesha Verrall.
“Tuition fees are already incredibly high and continuous increases are unsustainable. The University must cease looking to students every year for additional income.”
“A University that has completed such ostentatious capital works projects will struggle convince the community that it is too poor to maintain current fee levels even with Government compensation,” argued Ms Verrall.
Otago medical students have also received support from the New Zealand Medical Association on the basis that high medical student fees have adversely affected the medical workforce.
“Council should remember it has obligations other than maintaining a balance sheet, and these must be considered carefully.”
ENDS
Contact
Ayesha Verrall, OUSA
President
Ph: 03 479 5332
Cell: 021 345 368