ACCESS TO EDUCATION

On February 1, 2012, students gathered in the University Centre Courtyard to protest against the rising cost of post secondary education.

Photo Credit: Denise Martins

TUITION IS BALLOONING OUT OF CONTROL

Students across Ontario have voiced their concerns regarding the democracy and accountability at postsecondary institutions; student participation on campus and access to those opportunities; the current cost of tuition and ancillary fees; and the overall accessibility to higher education. At the local level, the Central Student Association (CSA) has involved its membership in a number of different capacities to get a sense of how undergraduate students are feeling at the University of Guelph. Not surprisingly, many students on this campus have expressed concerns in all of the aforementioned areas. In an effort to shed light on some of these concerns, the CSA has come up with a series of creative recommendations to these concerns that would change and improve the lives of students attending this institution. This document will be presented to all major decision making bodies at the University of Guelph, student organizations, and the student body at large. Our goal is to raise awareness about the issues mentioned in this document, and advocate that the Board of Governors and Senate take our recommendations into consideration when moving forward with the planning for the next academic year.

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Board of Governors Accountability & Representation

On an annual basis, the University of Guelph has demonstrated its commitment to providing students with opportunities to be involved in the decision making process at various levels of this institution. Accordingly, there is at least one student representative on most committees facilitated by the University. Although the willingness to incorporate student opinion into the decisions that the University makes is encouraging, students feel disconnected from the Board of Governors. For example, early on in the Winter 2012 semester, the Central Student Association tabled in the University Centre Courtyard to test their peers on their knowledge about the governance structure at this institution. From conducting this simple survey, it became abundantly clear that most students do not know what the Board of Governors is, its responsibilities, and most are unaware of the opportunity to connect with their (student) representatives on the Board of Governors, or that they themselves, can run for election.

Most students do not know what the Board of Governors is, its responsibilities, and most are unaware of the opportunity to connect with their (student) representatives on the Board of Governors, or that they, themselves, can run for election.
involved with any committee, board, or organization requires a large commitment and is often done so as a volunteer, there must be a clear succinct way of informing the community of the proceedings of the Board. Here are some ideas: Distributing a semester report outlining a summary of decisions and public conversations within the Board of Governors. Holding public forums once a semester. Presenting and/or providing updates at Student Executive Council. Letters to the Ontarion/ an information column. A blog post about each meeting. A Facebook page. Create annual performance evaluations for the Board of Governors that can be made public to the University of Guelph Community. A CSA ex-officio seat on the Board of Governors By recommending these options, the CSA does not aim to create more work or monopolize the time of the individual directors on the Board of Governors; however, we do feel it is important that the Board of Governors has some mechanism by which they are expected to be accountable to the community of which it serves. D Investigate and implement new and creative

Recommendations
B Increase the number of elected student representatives. Guelph has a well-known and respected reputation for student engagement and has been a forerunner in this field in terms of student representation on all levels of committees. Therefore, it is time to see a larger student voice on the Board of Governors. As the Board of Governors, along with Senate, is the highest governing body in a bi-cameral system at the University of Guelph, we believe an increase in student voice on this board is necessary. An increase in students would allow for a more diverse representation of the student body to sit on the Board of Governors, as well as increase student participation and engagement. If more students are able to sit on the Board of Governors this will only increase the promotion of such things as elections, processes, and actions. Therefore, we recommend that the Board of Governors increase the number of student seats by adding two additional undergraduate student seats for a total of four, and one additional graduate student seat for a total of two. C Implement accountability measures within the responsibilities of the Board of Governors to ensure greater accountability to the University of Guelph community. In any given year, the general student is not connected to (and often has no knowledge of) the Board of Governors, and their student representatives on said board. We, therefore, recommend that the Board of Governors, as a whole, should be encouraged to actively inform and solicit feedback from all University of Guelph stakeholders during their term. Although pledging ones time to be

ways to educate the student population about the Board of Governors and its annual elections.
As the elections process and timing of the Board of Governors has not been the high profile event of late, most students are unaware of it occurring. Students therefore are not running in the Board of Governors election, or voting. If this process was communicated and advertised further in advance of the elections occurring, more students may run for these positions. Furthermore, if more students are running, there will be an increase in awareness and interest for these elections. It is in the best interest of the Universityand by extension, the Board of Governorsto develop a communications strategy to promote the Board of Governors, which will ultimately ensure there is a greater level of democracy and accountability within the highest decision making body at the University of Guelph.

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Being involved with these activities adds an invaluable experience to a students time at University; it is integral in the full development of the student; and it contributes to student retention.

Photo Credit: Demetria Jackson

STUDENTS: WE NEED A BREAK! Protect the Dinner Hour Break

Here at the University of Guelph we are proud to have a very engaged and active student body. Many students choose to investigate and pursue extra and co-curricular involvement. This includes activities such as student government, athletics (both at varsity and intramural levels), clubs, volunteering, and mentoring. Being involved with these activities adds an invaluable experience to a student's time at University, is integral in the full development of the student, and contributes to student retention (Pascarella and Terenzini, 1991). This time provides leadership development and networking opportunities for students, skills and opportunities that are often not gained inside the classroom. Often, the only time available where students are most able to attend group meetings for these extra and co-curricular activities is the 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm dinner hour break. Now that this time is being used to schedule classes, students face many challenges finding time to meet in a group setting. Unfortunately, many students now miss out on these leadership opportunities due to having to choose between academics and student engagement. this dinner hour break is often the only time they can be engaged in an extra/co-curricular activity on campus. Furthermore, there are certain courses scheduled during the 5:30 pm time slot that are mandatory core courses for particular programs, without alternative sections offered. Students encountering this will have no other option except to take the course during this time, foregoing student involvement and leadership opportunities. We understand that with enrolment increasing year after year, we must find a time and place to schedule the classes required for our numbers. Scheduling over the 5:30 pm dinner break cannot be the only solution. Instead we must look to developing the infrastructure on campus as well as other creative solutions to accommodate teaching needs.

Recommendation

B The Central Student Association recommends that the dinner hour break be protected from classes being scheduled against in Furthermore, abolishing the dinner break time slot adds further stress the future. to many students during the day. This break was a time for students C The Central Student Association also recommends that to recharge, grab some dinner, catch up on readings, hang out, and Senate strike a sub-committee to look at alternatives and ideas participate in sports and recreation, etc, before classes resumed at to scheduling classes during the dinner break hour. 7:00 pm. For students that are employed throughout the semester,

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TUITION Re-imagining the

Undergraduate Fee
With tuition increasing annually, students across Canada are defending their right to accessible education. As such, the University of Guelph should stand together with the students at this institution to work towards removing economic barriers to accessing education. At the turn of the twentieth (20th) century, education was only available to those who paid. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to education, education shall be free at least in the elementary and fundamental stages (1948), and that higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. Unfortunately, many students across Canada, and specifically in Ontario are finding that access to higher education is not equally accessible to all. In 2005, the Ontario government created the Reaching Higher Plan which included a regulatory framework for increases to tuition; annual increases of up to five percent on average (across the institution). Within this framework, the cap for tuition increases has varied depending on programs and year of study. For example, students who are new to the University of Guelph might pay up to 8% more for their education than the year previous if they are in a professional or graduate program; or 4.5% if they are in an Arts, or Science program. In subsequent years, any student may see their tuition rise up to 4% each year.

Ontario has the highest average tuition fees and the second highest average ancillary fees in Canada. In fact, students receiving an education in Ontario pay over $1,200 more than the national average. As a result, Ontario is the most expensive province in Canada to receive a post-secondary education. -Statistics Canada, 2011

Photo Credit: Denise Martins Universities across Ontario, and in Canada, has decreased substantially over the years. Consequently, Universities are left with very little options with how to make up the shortfall. The Central Student Association does not believe that increasing tuition, which inevitably increases the access gap between students from higher income homes, and students from low to middle income homes is an appropriate option to choose. To further that point, the continuation of increasing the cost of tuition increases the barriers of diverse and historically marginalized populations to access post secondary Students understand that funding for education. Ontario has the highest average tuition fees and the second highest average ancillary fees in Canada. In fact, students receiving an education in Ontario pay over $1,200 more than the national average (Statistics Canada, 2011). As a result, Ontario is the most expensive province in Canada to receive a post-secondary education. On several occasions many institutions across Ontario, including the University of Guelph, have taken the opportunity to increase tuition to the maximum ensuring that tuition is rising for both new and continuing students.

Recommendations
B Implement a cohort fee for all undergraduate programs at the University of Guelph. Students at the University of Guelph believe that we should work to eradicate differential fees. In realizing that this is not a change that will happen overnight, the Central Student Association believes there are options available to help students; one of which is to implement a cohort fee for each undergraduate program at the University of Guelph. The University of Guelph is seen as a leading institution among international students with regards to tuition fees. While other institutions may have taken a rather deregulated approach to increasing tuition fees of international students, the University of Guelph stands strong and proud of the fact that international students who chose to attend this institution pay the same amount of

tuition year to year until they finish their studies. As a result of this cohort fee, international students and their families have been able to effectively budget for the upcoming year because the cost of their education remains predictable. Undergraduate students at the University of Guelph would like to be offered the same courtesy. Students believe that the cost of education is too high and that this institution should be standing together with students to address the unequal distribution of access to post secondary education among undergraduates. C Strike a Senate Sub-Committee to continue discussion on Recommendation One. To ensure that concrete steps are taken towards reimagining the undergraduate tuition framework at the University of Guelph, the CSA suggests that Senate create a subcommittee to create a feasibility report for the 2012-2013 year.

Photo Credit: Denise Martins

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TUITION IN ONTARIO
In an effort to provide students with access to more financial aid, the Liberal Government has implemented a 30% tuition grant to help with the increasing costs of attaining a post secondary education. Unfortunately, it is estimated that this grant will only benefit approximately 300,000 students in Ontario, excluding 600,000. The new grant system leaves out large sections of the student population that need financial aid the most. Some segments of students that are not covered by the grant include: Part time students, many of who need to work full-time or part-time year round in order to cover education and living expenses. International students, who pay two to three times more in tuition fees. Students that have been out of high school for more than four years. Currently, 45 per cent of university students complete a degree in four years, compared to 80 per cent after 6 years (Rushowy, 2012) Students independent from their parents. This includes, but is not limited to: sole-support parents, married students, students in a common-law relationship, students that have not been a full-time student for one year on two or more occasions, and students that did not enter university until four years after high school graduation. Students with parents/guardians who have an annual income of over $160 000. This does not take into account students who may not have a supportive relationship with their parents; this can include, but is not limited to, students that come from abusive families and LGBT students. In conclusion, the new tuition grant undoubtedly provides financial relief for a large group of students. But it is not a long-term, comprehensive solution to underfunding and increasing user fees (Canadian Federation of StudentsOntario, 2012).

WHO ARE WE LEAVING OUT?

Despite efforts of governments and institutions to couple increases in tuition fees with new grants, tuition fees remain the principle barrier to accessible education
Whos being left out?
Despite efforts of governments and institutions to couple increases in tuition fees with new grants, tuition fees remain the principle barrier to accessible education. Ontario enjoys relatively high participation rates in PSE, however this does not speak to accessibility. The tuition freeze in Quebec has meant that Quebec students have the lowest debt coming out of university. Because of free college education in Quebec many more students choose to attend college and consequently Quebec students have the highest levels of participation at the college level, despite Ontario having higher participation rates at the university level. It is not accurate to say that participation rates are directly correlated to tuition fees. It is also true that lower tuition fees have accompanied increasing participation rates. For example, the tuition freeze in Manitoba, coupled with a provincial push to increase enrolment, resulted in an increase of close to 20%. While tuition was increasing in Newfoundland and Labrador, enrolment was decreasing. Now that Newfoundland has reduced tuition fees enrolment has increased by close to 5% (Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario, 2012). If we turn to Ontario we see that participation rates do not speak to who is getting into post secondary education. Research shows that participation of low- and middleincome students largely stagnated between 1999 and 2007, while participation from high-income families nearly doubled and almost exclusively drove the overall enrollment growth in Ontario (Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, 2012).

Feb 1 Cross Canada Day of Action Students speak about their experiences with student debt and how it has affected them.

Photo Credit: Denise Martins

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TUITION IN ONTARIO
STUDENTS ARE CALLING FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF
Post-Secondary Education in Ontario Fair access to universities in Ontario is now the worst its been since the mid-twentieth century. Consider the following statistics based on the situation in Ontario: Since 1990, Ontario household incomes have remained stagnant with rising levels of household debt (from 90% of disposable income 20 years ago to 150% today) (Shaker & Macdonald, 2011). Since 1990, tuition fees have seen a real increase of 244%, with Ontario now home to the highest fees in the country (Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario, 2011). Under the Reaching Higher framework (the last Ontario government PSE funding formula) every new dollar made available to students through enhancements to student grants and loan policies, has been clawed back by $1.30 from students through tuition increases (Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, 2009). Since 2006, with the five percent tuition cap, the average Ontario tuition has risen by 35 percent from less than 5,000 dollars to over 6,600 dollars (OUSA, 2012). With another year of five percent tuition increases, student investment through tuition and ancillary fees will be greater than the governments for the first time in the history of the province (CFS-O, 2012).

The new thirty percent tuition fee grant excludes two-thirds of students in Ontario, including 44 per cent of those on OSAP who have demonstrable financial need but who are independent (CFS-O, 2012).

Recommendations

B Implement a tuition freeze for the University of Guelph for the 2013-2014 academic year Students recognize that universities face serious cost pressures stemming from the provincial government. We also acknowledge that the final decisions in regards to increasing tuition will be decided at the Board of Governors level at the University of Guelph. A freeze at the rate of inflation, regardless of the provincial cap and what other Universities choose to do, would go a long way in sending a clear message to the public and the government that the University of Guelph is serious about addressing sky-rocketing tuition fees. It would put real pressure on the provincial and federal governments to address the needs of the University, but this is only possible once governments realize that institutions are no longer willing to make up budget shortfalls on the backs of students. This will also protect the public nature of our university and be a major step in reversing the policies that have led to the current critical situation. C Strike a sub-committee to work with the CSA in co-operative lobbying campaign The direction of post-secondary education in Ontario is worrisome to students, faculty, staff and administrators. Underfunding and access are a common concern. The CSA is committed to working with the University of Guelph to find common ground on a lobbying project that would ensure that this institutions needs, as well as the needs of its students, are being met by funding formulas and governmental policy.

Canadian Federation of StudentsOntario, 2012

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For more information, please contact: Demetria Jackson External Affairs Commissioner Central Student Association E: csaext@uoguelph.ca T: 519.824.4120 x58328

Photo Credit: Denise Martins

REFERENCES
Astin, A. (1984). Student involvement: A developmental theory for higher education. Journal of College Student Personnel, 25(7) Canadian Federation of Students. (2012). Myth or Fact? A guide to common myths about tuition fees. Retrieved from http://educationisaright.ca/en/ section/28#sec-3 Canadian Federation of Students--Ontario. (2012). Dropping Fees for All: Recommendations for the future of tuition fee policy in Ontario. Retrieved from http://cfsontario.ca/downloads/CFS-DroppingFeesForAll.pdf Canadian Federation of Students--Ontario. (2009-2010). Our Bright Future--Submissions to the Ontario Post-Secondary Education Secretariat. Retrieved from http://cfsontario.ca/en/section/83 Canadian Federation of Students--Ontario. (2012). The 30 Percent Tuition Grant. Retrieved from http://cfsontario.ca/en/section/191 Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance. (2012). Students call for fair and affordable tuition regulation in Ontario. Retrieved from http:// www.ousa.ca/2012/02/07/students-call-for-fair-and-affordable-tuitionregulation-in-ontario/ Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance. (2012). Tomorrows Tuition: A new framework for affordable higher education. Retrieved from http:// www.ousa.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/TuitionSubmission-2012-FINAL.pdf Pascarella, E. & Terenzini, P. (1991). How College Affects Students. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Inc Rushowy, K. (2012, February 22). Ontario universities should offer three-year degrees, classes year-round and more online learning, says provincial report. The Toronto Star. Shaker, E. & Macdonald D. (2011). For Ontarios low- and middleincome families, paying for university involves priority roulette. Retrieved from http://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/commentary/ontarioslow-and-middle-income-families-paying-university-involves-priority Statistics Canada. (2011). University Tuition Fees. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/110916/dq110916beng.htm United Nations. (1948). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/