USC to propose 1.3% -2.0% tuition hike
As one of the student sector representatives at the multi-sectoral meeting on the implementation of tuition hikes and other fees, University Student Council (USC) 2015-2016 President Micah Gonzales said they will propose a 1.3 to 2 percent tuition increase for the upperclassmen next academic year (AY) 2016-2017.
After conducting consultations with different student stakeholders in the University, Gonzales said they disapproved the 2.7 percent tuition hike proposed by the administration since the inflation rate in the country, which is used as the base rate for the tuition increase, only amounted to 1.3 percent this January.
“We understood the essence of the increase although siyempre mayroon din kaming concerns. Tinitignan din kasi namin ‘yung accumulation ng tuition increase and other fees as a whole,” she added.
The proposal for the tuition increase is yet to be consulted and approved by representatives from the administration, Faculty Association (FA), and Parents Organization La Salle Cavite (POLCA)during the multi-sectoral meeting on February 23.
“Wala pang decision kasi pag-uusapan pa namin sa Tuesday (February 23). Ideally, that should be the last meeting pero puwede pa siya ma-extend kasi depende pakung may iba pang organizations who want to discuss their proposals.”
Officers from the College Student Councils (CSCs), and Council of Student Organizations (CSO) also represent the student sector at the multi-sectoral meeting, which first convened on January 29.
Other fees
Gonzales said the multi-sectoral committee has already approved the proposed increase of the Schoolbook Fee and Student Services Fee. The said committee also approved of the Ecosystem Services Fee to be paid by accredited transport service providers and students who own vehicles.
To sustain the services provided by the Center for Innovative Learning Programs and the Office of Student Services despite the expected reduction in college enrollees next AY 2016-2017, the Schoolbook Fee will be raised from P100 to P250, while the Student Services Fee will increase by P200.
Meanwhile, the Ecosystem Services Fee entails 20 percent of the cost of vehicle stickers, a fixed annual fee of P500 for all accredited transport service providers, and P100 for every approved tour of field trip.
Gonzales furthered that they will still discuss the request of CSO to increase the CSO fee in the Other Fees during the multi-sectoral meeting on February 23.
Student demands
Aside from the tuition increase proposal, Gonzales said they presented various issues they deemed the administration should address in AY 2016-2017, such as the surcharge fee policy, rental fee for venues in the University, installation of the radio frequency identification (RFID) system, and the use of sports facilities.
Gonzales said they will propose to decrease the surcharge fees to 1 percent, 2 percent, and 3 percent since the fee is causing more burden than advantage to the students.
She added that they will suggest the implementation of zero rental fees for student organizations who would use different venues in the campus, and an online submission of permits for easier access to the sports facilities, including the gym and the University Track Oval.
The completion of the RFID turnstile system installation at the Magdiwang and Magdalo Gates is also included in the student demands that will be presented during the multi-sectoral meeting on February 23, Gonzales said.
