Tuition hikes at UofW increase barriers to post-secondary education
TUITION HIKES INCREASE FINANCIAL BARRIERS FOR MARGINALIZED STUDENTS ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG.
WINNIPEG, May 9, 2019 – The University of Winnipeg announced a tuition increase of 3.7 per cent for most undergraduate programs on May 07, 2019. The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) believes that the added cost will be a barrier to the access of post-secondary education for students.
UWSA President, Meagan Malcolm believes that marginalized groups such as Indigenous students, people of colour, students with disabilities and international students will be the ones most effected.
“If tuition continues to increase, only a certain amount of people will be able to access university and doors further closed for those who cannot afford these rising costs,” Malcolm says. “It will end up making our campus not inclusive as it needs to be.”
This is the second consecutive year that tuition has increased at the University of Winnipeg, after the provincial government’s decision to allow post-secondary institutions to remove the cap on tuition. Tuition had increased by 6.6 percent in 2018/19.
“We acknowledge that the provincial funding cuts to education are a part of the problem but we have to remember that it is also the responsibility of the University of Winnipeg to make sure that all students have access to this institution,” UWSA Vice-President External Affairs, Mahlet Cuff says.
Less investment in post-secondary education from the provincial government and regular tuition increases by institutions is the beginning of a disturbing trend that needs to be addressed. The UWSA calls on both the Provincial Government and UWinnipeg to find a more valued and inclusive path forward for students.
About UWSA
Established in 1972,the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) democratically unites the students of the University of Winnipeg in order to advance student interests. As well as promoting communication within the University, the UWSA advocates on behalf of students to administrative bodies.
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For further information, contact:
Shreya Jhunjhunwala
Communications Manager
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association
0R30 – 515 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3B 2E9
communications@theuwsa.ca
(204) 786-9867
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