The University of Otago can achieve fee stabilisation if it borrows against its assets argues Ayesha Verrall President
of the Otago University Students’ Association. Today the Association released a paper outlining its how the University
can accept the government’s offer.
“Fee stabilisation does not necessarily come at the expense of academic standards - the current level of operating can
be maintained if the University borrows against its capital assets,” said Ms Verrall.
“It’s perfectly reasonable for the University to borrow against major assets like the new $47M library given the
University’s strong financial position. It’s also fair as it spreads the cost of these massive projects onto future
generations rather than current students shouldering the entire cost.”
The paper also contained workings on the impact of fee stabilisation on student demand. “Anything the Vice-chancellor
hopes to gain from his proposed 20% fee increase will be offset if enrolments decrease by 2.7%. Rather than taking the
risk of losing students the University should capitalise on the fact that it can afford to keep fees down, and attract
more students with the country’s lowest fees”.
Copies of the paper are available from the Otago University Students’ Association.
ENDS