STUSU'S REPONSE TO THE RELEASE OF STU'S 2020-21 OPERATING BUDGET

Fredericton, NB -  St. Thomas University has released its operating budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The budget includes 2 per cent increases to both domestic and international tuition, which translates to a $143 increase for domestic students and a $321 increase for international students, enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program. The St. Thomas University Students’ Union (STUSU) opposes these increases, and encourages the university to consider the impact these increases will have on students, especially during the financially uncertain times COVID-19 has presented. 

As a representative of students, STUSU is vehemently aware of the financial hardships faced by students. COVID-19 has resulted in students facing a reduction in or complete loss of summer employment; employment that many students rely on to fund their education. Despite the introduction of government financial aid packages such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) , after accounting for living expenses, these packages do not leave students with a sufficient income to continue saving for their education. 

Moreover, international students consistently face a unique financial barrier to accessing post-secondary education. International tuition is more than double the value of domestic tuition, coupled with the fact that international tuition is not regulated in the same fashion as domestic tuition, results in a disproportionate accessibility of post-secondary education in comparison to domestic students. In addition to the aforementioned barriers, international students were left out of the qualifying criteria for CESB and many students are ineligible for CERB. These ineligibilities further the barrier of accessing post-secondary education, and the increase in international tuition puts students in a dangerous position of being unable to fund their education for the upcoming year. 

“The STUSU is disappointed to see the increases in tuition for the upcoming year. Considering the negative financial impacts of COVID-19, a tuition increase at this time is inappropriate. The tuition increase will unequivocally contribute to the immense financial stress students are already facing at this time”, said Sarah Kohut, STUSU President. 

The financial uncertainty of COVID-19 has left all students vulnerable, regardless of their financial backgrounds. Our most vulnerable students from low-income families and international students have been placed at an even higher risk of being unable to fund their education. 

“Given recent events, it is important now more than ever to continue advocating for student financial aid. The STUSU will work diligently alongside our federal advocacy partner the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) and our provincial advocacy partner the New Brunswick Student Alliance (NBSA) to rectify the inequalities of the pre-existing financial aid packages, and continue pushing for increases in student financial aid”, said Megan Cormier, STUSU Vice President Education. 

The STUSU will continue to advocate for predictable tuition schedules and an internal policy to limit tuition increases, for both domestic and international students. With much uncertainty surrounding how long the impacts of COVID-19 will continue on for, it is increasingly important for students to be able to forecast the cost of their degree. We will remain committed and diligent in our advocacy to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial circumstances. 

The St. Thomas University Students’ Union (STUSU) was established over 75 years ago and represents the interests of all students at St. Thomas University. 

Media Contact: Sarah Kohut, STUSU President, su_president@stu.ca, 905-317-7087.

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