[Berger_4_]

Here's the email I got from the Provost today:

Dear Students,

I write today with an update on the University’s proposals around 2010-11 tuition rates and to share a draft plan to increase tuition in targeted programs and faculties.

The context for this plan is that the University has a core responsibility to deliver high quality education to its students, and we are committed to ensuring that all U of C students receive an outstanding education. The reality is that costs to deliver high quality education are increasing, and government grants are not. In fact, we are anticipating a further reduction in provincial funding in next month’s budget announcement. Despite the challenging financial times facing the University, protecting the high quality of the student experience is our highest priority.

As you are probably aware, the Province of Alberta has capped tuition increases every year since 2004-05. This has resulted in very modest tuition cost increases at the University of Calgary during this period. This year, the provincial government indicated that, for 2010-11, the maximum allowable tuition increase would be 1.5 percent. Additionally, the government has invited post-secondary institutions to submit proposals for so-called market modifiers beyond 1.5 percent in professional programs or specialties. The University of Calgary is currently exploring this concept of market modifiers for programs in a number of faculties, including business, law, medicine and engineering.

The increases the University is proposing for 2010-11, and has discussed with student leaders and faculties are:

1.5-percent increase across the board for all undergraduate and graduate programs. The University will make a recommendation to its governing body, the Board of Governors, on this increase at the Board’s February meeting. As noted above, 1.5 percent is the maximum increase permitted for 2010-11 under the provincial Tuition Policy Regulation.
Targeted increases in several Faculties and programs, also known as market modifiers. The proposed increases for these areas are currently in draft form, but in an effort to be as open and transparent with students as possible, I provide below a table that indicates the potential increases.
WHEN REVIEWING THIS TABLE, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WE ARE STILL WORKING ON OUR PROPOSAL, SO THESE ARE DRAFT NUMBERS ONLY. IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT COURSE-BASED MARKET MODIFIERS APPLY ONLY TO COURSES OFFERED BY THE FACULTY INDICATED. FOR EXAMPLE, BUSINESS STUDENTS TAKE MOSTLY ARTS AND SCIENCE COURSES IN YEARS 1 AND 2, AND THE TUITION CHARGED FOR THESE COURSES WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO A MARKET MODIFIER.

Engineering Per Course Fee

09/10 Fee: $516.09

1.5% Increase: $523.83

Proposed Market Modifier: $200.00

Total: $723.83


Business Per Course Fee

09/10 Fee: $516.09

1.5% Increase: $523.83

Proposed Market Modifier: $240.00

Total:$763.83


Law Annual Fees

09/10 Fee: $11,799.00

1.5% Increase: $11,977.00

Proposed Market Modifier: $1,823.00

Total: $13,800.00


Medicine Annual Fees

09/10 Fee: $14,384.00

1.5% Increase: $14,599.98

Proposed Market Modifier: $4,400.02

Total: $19,000.00


Business: Master of Business Administration Per Course Fee

09/10 Fee: $1,247.88

1.5% Increase: $1,266.59

Proposed Market Modifier: $179.12

Total: $1,445.71

An additional program fee for several of our distance Master of Education and Education graduate diploma programs.
When considering where to propose market modifiers, we identified programs where:

The current tuition is considerably less than tuition charged for the same program at other peer universities;
The earning potential of the program’s graduates is significant soon after degree completion;
There are significant costs associated with the delivery of a specialized, experiential program.
The University is also investigating a moderate increase to student fees later this spring, with the goal of consolidating student fees and bundling the services offered throughout a student’s experience at the university and also after graduation. This model for one omnibus student fee package is in line with current practice at most other Canadian universities.

Let me be clear and underline that the University’s leadership is aware that any increase in tuition has a direct impact on students. We take very seriously the issues raised by students, and, to address some of the concerns raised to date, we will commit both to the provincial government and to the Board of Governors that a portion of any increased tuition revenue from the market modifiers will be dedicated to scholarships and bursaries for affected students. This will be critical to ensure that, so far as possible, no student is disadvantaged because of financial constraints.

The provincial government has indicated a deadline of the end of January for receipt of proposals from post-secondary institutions for market modifiers. While we await the government’s decision, we shall continue to discuss these proposed increases with student leaders, and student associations in the affected faculties. Once the University has heard from the government and we have completed our consultations with students, we shall submit our proposed increases to the Board of Governors for its consideration. We expect the Board to consider our submission and make a final decision on market modifiers and student fee increases in mid-April.

As we move forward in this process, I encourage you to offer your feedback by emailing me at provost@ucalgary.ca. Students within affected faculties will also hear from their deans in the weeks ahead.

Let me close by saying that the University of Calgary is committed to its students. We value your commitment to post-secondary education and we look forward to seeing you thrive and succeed at the U of C and beyond.

Sincerely

Alan Harrison

Provost and Vice-President (Academic)