Open Letter to the Acting Vice-Chancellor on Trimester One Course Fees
/9 March 2022
To the Acting Vice Chancellor of Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington.
Mabuhay Acting Vice Chancellor Jennifer Windsor,
We, the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association and The Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Assembly write to you today on behalf of the 22,000 students in our university community. Together, we call for financial recourse for Trimester One course fees.
The closure of Pipitea Campus and the unprecedented outbreak of Omicron within our community and around the country has caused disruption to learning and teaching on a scale we have never seen before.
Since the beginning of the Trimester, thousands of students have had to manage the unfortunate reality of doing classes either online, in isolation, or in makeshift study spaces. Because of this move, we have seen the exacerbation of equity and accessibility issues. It is unfortunate and disheartening to see our students being barred from their education.
We have been told of situations where household conditions and environments are incompatible with studying and devices or internet connections are not suitable for downloading readings, completing assignments, and watching hours of lectures. It furthers the disproportionate difficulties experienced by marginalised communities, where accessibility issues out of their control inhibit their ability to engage.
With the need for student support at a critical high, there is greater importance and urgency for the University to not just do what is pragmatic but what is right for students. If students are unable to access the campus, the facilities, the resources, and the education for which they are currently paying top dollar, we believe they deserve and have a right to get their money back. Students are paying full price for an academic experience which they are not getting in full.
Given the position of privilege and power, we call on you with urgency as our Acting Vice Chancellor to do what is right for students, use your discretion, and agree to our ask below:
We ask the University to provide all students a six-week refund or rebate for Trimester One courses.
The impact of a refund or rebate, though seemingly small to the University, will create a massive difference for our tauira. We believe the university is in a position where it can accommodate a return in course fees. An empathetic and compassionate approach to student struggles during this unprecedented time is how Te Herenga Waka will stand out as a world-leading capital city university. We believe our ask is in the best interests of students and the University and recognises the difficulties students are currently facing with their finances, academics, welfare, and engagement.
This is not just about money but the quality of education and the welfare and wellbeing of students. Please listen to our call and do it right by us.
Maraming salamat | Mā te wā,
The Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association and the Te Herenga Waka Students’ Assembly.
