Media Release; Students warn Polytechnic council against further fee increases

Students at the Otago Polytechnic warn the Polytechnic’s council that fee increases would not be tolerated by students under any circumstances.

“Students at Otago Polytechnic are fed up and annoyed after paying hundreds of dollars in constant fee increases and will not tolerate further increases,” said Richard Mitchell, president of the Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association (OPSA).

Otago Polytechnic chose to increase its fees up to the maximum of 5% under the Fee Course Cost Faxima scheme for the past two years

“Fee increases are not necessary to balance the Polytechnic’s books. Why the Polytechnic would want to take even more money in 2007 from students who are already struggling to pay the bills is a complete mystery,” said Mitchell.

“The government needs to put its money where its mouth is and start funding tertiary institutions properly,” stated Mr Mitchell

The Polytechnic will set it’s 2008 tuition fees at the Polytechnic Council meeting this afternoon, Wednesday 5th September 2007, at 3:15pm

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For more information contact:
Richard Mitchell
President
Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association (OPSA)
Phone/Fax: 03 477 6974
Mobile: 027 320 2956
Email: president@opsa.org.nz