THE ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION RESPONDS TO TUITION INCREASE FOR THE 2022/23 ACADEMIC YEAR
ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION
Room 30, SUB 21 Pacey Drive, NB E3B 5A3
Media contact: Alex Nguyen (she/her), President
Fredericton, N.B. – St. Thomas University (hereinafter ‘University’) has released its Operating Budget for the 2022/23 fiscal year. The Budget includes a 5% increase for both domestic and international tuition, which translates to an additional $383 for domestic students and $860 for international students. The St. Thomas University Students’ Union[1] (hereinafter ‘STUSU’) is extremely disappointed with this announcement and opposes the continuation of such massive increases[2] from the University while failing to provide additional financial supports for STUdents, especially for those in their final years at STU. The STUSU urges the University to seriously consider the negative effect that rising tuition has on students’ mental health, physical wellbeing, and financial stability. We further advocate for the implementation of financial assistance tools such as a tuition-estimate calculator on the University’s website as well as more options for financial aid for incoming and current students.
At the same time, the STUSU also recognizes that increases in tuition fees reflect the lack of attention and proper investment in post-secondary education from the provincial government. Thus, the STUSU is extremely disappointed in the provincial government and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (PETL) for failing to provide proper funding to the University through its Operating Grant. The 1.5% increase in the Operating Grant given to the University[3] failed to support the institution with inflationary pressure. This in turn effectively places an unnecessary financial burden on students to make up for the Government’s failure to support the University, especially for international students who have to pay more than double due to unregulated Differentiate fees.
These tuition increases are extremely concerning. The lack of affordable housing as well as increased food insecurity and cost of living in the post-pandemic world has negatively impacted students’ ability to pursue post-secondary education. International students face additional challenges while attending a post-secondary institution due to the lack of ongoing and stable financial aid and support from the University and the provincial government. The sacrifice that students, especially international students, are forced to make in order to pursue a quality post-secondary education is heartbreaking.
We have been informed by STUdents who expressed their concerns about the increase in tuition fees:
“These increases are shocking, to say the least. Students should be the University’s top priority.”– current fourth-year international STUdent.
"I am incredibly disheartened by STU's significant increase in tuition and fees. How can students afford a quality education if the cost of university continues to rise every single year? Support needs to be made available for students who are struggling. Last year, I worked two jobs while taking a full course load. With the increase in tuition this year, I am worried about being able to focus on my studies during my final year at STU.” – current fourth-year student.
“As a student and more importantly, a student representative, it goes without saying that I am disappointed to see this increase in tuition and I sympathize with my fellow students who are stressed or saddened by this announcement. Solidarity, while important, does not replace the need for action. Tuition increases are a complex issue, the determination of tuition is a culmination of both internal and external variables, both of which demand advocacy and the empowerment of the student voice. As your VP Education, you can rest assured that this tuition raise has ignited a plan of advocacy that addresses both the complexity and urgency of this issue.” – Julia Evans, STUSU VP Education
In light of the changes to tuition fees and financial aid on institutional, and provincial levels, the St. Thomas University Students’ Union will be very strategic in its approach to opposing these changes in the coming months. We are committed to empowering self-advocacy and strengthening the impact of our student voices through providing education on how tuition is determined. We will work side-by-side with our external Advocacy partners – the New Brunswick Student Alliance (NBSA)[4], and the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA)[5] – on both provincial and federal levels. We will continue to support and aid the University with transparent and equitable funding from the provincial government. We will remain committed and diligent in our advocacy to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial circumstances.
[1] The St. Thomas University Students’ Union (STUSU) was established over 75 years ago and represents the interests of all students at St. Thomas University.
[2] The St. Thomas University increased 5% tuition fees for Domestic and International students in the 2021/22 academic year. “St. Thomas University Sets Operating and Ancillary Budgets for 2021-22.” 2021: St. Thomas University Sets Operating and Ancillary Budgets for 2021-22 - St Thomas University, May 20, 2021. https://www.stu.ca/news/all-news/2021/st-thomas-university-sets-operating-and-ancillary-budgets-for-2021-22--.php.
[3] St. Thomas University Budget Summary Report, 2022-23, https://www.stu.ca/media/stu/site-content/about/faculty-reconition/administrative-offices/financial-statements-and-reports-/STU-Budget-Summary-Report-2022-23.pdf
[4] The New Brunswick Student Alliance (NBSA) is the largest student organization in New Brunswick, representing over 6,000 post-secondary students across four member campuses, including STU. https://www.nbsa-aenb.ca/about-us
[5] Established in 1995, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, national student organization composed of 23 student associations representing 280,000 post-secondary students from coast to coast. With its partnership with the Quebec Student Union (QSU), CASA represents a total of 360,000 students across Canada and presents a national student voice to the federal government. CASA advocates for a Canadian post-secondary education system that is accessible, affordable, innovative, and of the highest quality. https://www.casa-acae.com/about