SU In Talks With Admin Over Tuition Fees

By: Lilian Gamal

@LillianGamal

Photo: Dalia Abdelwahab

The Student Union presented to university administrators its response to an 11 percent tuition fee increase and has called for increased transparency regarding budgetary decisions

The proposal presented on the eve of the beginning of the Fall semester also seeks to keep tuition fees static or reduce them since most teaching is online.

Chief Financial Officer Amir Habib told The Caravan that deciding on tuition fees is a process that takes place a year in advance of the beginning of the academic year. Both the administration and the Board of Trustees look into economic indicators.

“The Egyptian inflation rate projections directly affect the university’s expenses. Namely: staff pay, financial aid needs, and general, and administrative operating expenses,” Habib said.

“Students have the right and the empowerment to raise their concerns, and engage in discussions to address them with the administration,” Habib added.

This increase in tuition fees, which was decided last February and became effective this semester, has flustered plenty of students who say the local and global economy has been in decline since the COVID-19 outbreak, creating unanticipated financial burdens.

Some took to social media platforms to air their grievances about the increase.

“I think it’s unfair and unethical to have this dramatic increase in the fees as an annual policy. Especially that I do not consume any of the campus facilities as opposed to previous semesters,” said Architecture senior Omar Lotfy.

In its proposal, the SU also suggested starting a Coronavirus Relief Fund, which is similar to an emergency grant, for those who are seriously financially strapped.

In an interview with RADUC, a weekly podcast produced by The Caravan, Habib explained that such an emergency fund does exist but this option will be available depending on the student’s circumstances and financial needs. He added that the university is committed that no student will be left behind due to financial difficulties brought on by the current coronavirus pandemic.

Other demands listed in the proposal are to return back to campus as COVID-19 cases have decreased.

The petition included in the proposal has amassed over 1,600 signatures in agreement with the demands, in hopes of working around the administration’s decision.

One of the main demands of the student body is to know what factors play into determining the tuition fees.

Once the tuition is set for the academic year, any re-visits and changes to the overall annual budget would delay the process.

“Changing a pivotal part of the budget such as tuition and fees would be a review of the whole university budget, while plans are already underway in implementation,” Habib said.

Habib also mentioned that tuition fees account for 62 percent of university operations, while another 19 percent covered by the university’s endowments. The rest is covered by fundraising efforts, continuing education programs and grants.

But with COVID-19, the university has not been able to reach a certain target of fundraising that was expected for the budget to go smoothly, as a result the budget was cut down aggressively.

Habib highlighted that representatives from the SU are a part of the University Budget Advisory Committee. The main tasks of this committee is to review inflation and exchange rates, as well as tuition scenarios.

The creation of a thorough long-term plan is a means to anticipate and overcome future financial hurdles.

Subsequently, Habib mentioned that a stand-alone committee for budgets and funds is in the works, but it is yet to be approved by Provost Ehab Abdel-rahman. This committee would include parents, faculty, staff members, students and one member that would represent the administration.

The committee would recommend a long-term strategic plan for the university’s budget and would be subject to agreement by the Board of Trustees. It is meant to be headed by Economics Associate Professor Samer Atallah.

Chairperson of the Political Representation Committee in the SU Malak El Menyawi says creating a long-term plan in terms of financial budgeting and allocation.

Meanwhile, an agreement has been reached with the administration to increase financial aid to 13 percent.

Students who applied for financial aid awards and were rejected can now appeal for reconsideration of their awards, in case they’re unsatisfied with the aid received.

Moreover, students who failed to apply for the award the first time have the eligibility of applying when the new round starts this October.