Media Release; OP Fees Raised by Maximum

Otago Polytechnic Council today increased fees by the maximum allowed under the fee maxima policy. Most students studying at Otago Polytechnic in 2008 will now see their fees increase by up to 5% on the 2007 levels.

This is the fourth 5% fee raise passed the Otago Polytechnic Council in as many years.

“Students will have now seen a virtual fee increase of more than 16% since 2004. This completely out strips inflation” states Richard Mitchell, OPSA President.

“It is disappointing to see that the Council has backed away from their own commitment and responsibilities to barrier-free education” states Mr Mitchell.

The Otago Polytechnic Council also had the option of a zero percent fee raise.

“This would have sent a very obvious and bold statement to the government stating that the Council are not prepared to pass the costs of under-funding on to indebted students.” said Mr Mitchell

Government under-funding contributes largely to the problem.

“While it would be easy to blame the Council for free increases, the root of the problem is under-funding by successive governments is” says Mr Mitchell

Contact for further comment:
Richard Mitchell
President
Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association

Phone/Fax: 03 477 6974
Mobile: 027 320 2956
Email: president@opsa.org.nz

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

Ends

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

Media Release; OPSA Spices it up

Tomorrow OPSA hosts it’s second ever International Food Festival following the success of last year’s event.

“Last year’s Food Festival was well patronised and very colourful event, with a good chance to sample food from many areas of the world.” said Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association (OPSA) President, Richard Mitchell.

The Festival showcases the ethnic diversity of the Otago polytechnic. Food stalls this year include; Samoa, India, Kiwi, Japan, Ireland, and the United States of America.

“Otago Polytechnic students come from many different areas of the globe, and the Festival is a great opportunity to see the different flavours of the Polytechnic” stated Mr Mitchell.

This year’s Festival will also see new stalls including a Queertopia food stall, and a stall featuring the famous good of a fictional country.

Food will be served at 12 noon, Wednesday 5 September. Prompt attendance is recommended for those wanting a great range of samples.


Further information:
Richard J Mitchell
President
Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association

Phone/Fax: 03 477 6974
Mobile: 027 320 2956
Email: president@opsa.org.nz