St. Thomas University Students' Union Responds to Tuition Increases

PRESS RELEASE - MAY 21, 2021

•The St. Thomas University Students’ Union is greatly disheartened by the university’s decision to increase tuition in a time where students are increasingly burdened by financial challenges.

•The COVID-19 pandemic has brought insurmountable change to our everyday lives; from the challenges of online courses, decentralization of students, reduced employment opportunities, and minimal student financial aid available in the province, the ability to obtain a quality post-secondary education is becoming more inaccessible.

•The impact of these tuition hikes hit all students negatively, increasingly so for international students whose rates are already significantly higher than their domestic counterparts. This decision sends the message to students that their institution is not in tune with the issues they are facing, and only leads to further financial and mental health challenges to students.

•The St. Thomas University Students’ Union is committed to advocating for financial aid programs and accessible education. We call on the university to reconsider these tuition increases considering the challenges faced by students throughout this pandemic and uphold their commitment to providing not only a quality education but an accessible one.

President: Tyler MaGee, su_president@stu.ca