Algoma U nails students with tuition hike, but just one year

The board of governors of Algoma University College tonight agreed to hike tuitions by four percent for the 2008-09 school year.

The decision will apply to both domestic and international students.

Governors rejected a student proposal to cut the increase to 2.5 percent.

The original proposal brought to the board tonight also called for a four percent increase for 2009-10, but governors agreed with a student suggestion to defer that decision until a later date. About 25 students packed the university's Doc Brown Lounge for tonight's meeting, arguing against the tuition hike.

Governors were told that students are already forced to rely heavily on the food bank to continue their educations.

Algoma University Student Union Science Rep Ashleigh Sauve asked the governors to consider a radical lobbying effort on higher levels of government instead of a large tuition hike.

"I'm really trying hard not to swear," Sauve said.

Tuition fees for the 2008-2009 school year will total $4,665 after the increase approved tonight.

Ancillary and health fees, which currently add up to an additional $926 per student, will not increase in 2008-09.

The school's finance committee said it proposed a two-year tuition increase to quell concerns that AUC tuitions might go through the roof after the institution is granted independence by the Ontario government.

Algoma U president Celia Ross said there's no way that could happen because maximum increases are set by the province for domestic students.

No such cap applies to international students, but Dr. Ross said large increases are unlikely for them because AUC wishes to remain competitive.