Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 16, 2014 News
The $50,000 Facilities Fee which will be required of students by the University of Guyana (UG) from this academic year, is intended to do just what it suggests – enhance the University’s facilities. This was the assertion of Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, in response to questions on the purpose of the fee that was recently introduced.
The University’s administration in adjusting its fees last month, discontinued the payment of various miscellaneous fees which have been replaced with the Facilities Fee.
And according to the Vice Chancellor, the Facilities Fee is one that must be paid by both local and foreign students.
He disclosed during a press conference on Wednesday; that the Fee will be managed by Four Committees including one which will see input from student representatives, a measure that is expected to cater to accountability.
In speaking on the subject on Wednesday too, Registrar of the University, Mr. Vincent Alexander, noted that transparency will be readily permitted on an individual basis as each student will be able to see online, as well as on his/her invoice, the specifics of the Facilities Fee. “It is broken down item by item on the invoice and online so that they (students) can see it,” said Alexander as he pointed out that there are a number of areas that Committees will oversee.
One committee, according to him, will cover the General Facilities Fee which will cater to classroom resources among other programme delivery needs. Other Committees will direct focus to a Sports Fee, Library Deposit and the University’s Student Society dues, all of which are included in the Facilities Fee, Alexander said. The latter Fee will understandably gain attention from the student body members.
Alexander went on to amplify that “students can pay their Fee, at large, bi-semester.” In fact this method of payment will be accepted for the payment of tuition fee as well, he added.
However, Professor Opadeyi cautioned that the University will not accept smaller payments. “They can pay $25,000 for each semester but nothing less than that,” he asserted.
The deliberations on the Facilities Fee were forthcoming even as the possibility of a total but temporary shutdown of the University was being threatened by the Vice Chancellor.
This course of action was being considered on Wednesday in light of the fact that the University’s administration has not been able to receive word from the Ministry of Finance about the disbursement of Student Loans.
Currently the University is faced with a cash-strapped operation, a state of affairs that prompted an adjustment to the US$1000 tuition fee. Prior to this year the fee translated to $127,000, per academic year.
But according to the University’s Bursar, Ms. Holda Poonai, based on the decision and approval of the Council at its last meeting, the tuition fee will be increased to $160,000 for new students per academic year, while the continuing students will be required to pay $130,000.
Last year about 40 per cent of the student population accessed loans from the Student Loan Agency while the remainder paid cash. However, Professor Opadeyi informed that even with the majority paying upfront, it would not be feasible for the University to function effectively.
The University currently has an estimated debt of $450 million.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
Apr 19, 2024
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