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The Panther Prints

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

UPEI will be a priority item for Liberal Leadership Can- didate Ian “Tex” MacDonald. The University is Charlottetown’s biggest busi- ness, the direct impact and the spin offs are critical to the eco- nomic development of the capi- tal district. Anytime you havea business that involves over 3500 people then you better make it a priority.

I believe that our city compliments the university like no other city or college town. Although the university has its own boundaries and identity, it is being molded into the commu- nity. The setting is indeed at- tractive and the amenities that Charlottetown has to offer can only enhance the entire univer- sity scene.

I would like to see our university marketed with the city. We should also strive to pro- mote UPEI in conjunction with city amenities, factors like a “safe city”, affordable housing, proximity to the campus and an overall “good environment” for learning.

The Provincial Depart- ment of Tourism promotes and markets our Island at the na- tional and international level. Maybe its time we emulated tourism and marketed our uni- versity so that we can attract more students. The benefits of this strategy are numerous and could have an impact on main- taining current tuition fees.

On the other hand there must be some incentives offered to our local high school gradu- ates to attend our university.

Why do so many high- school graduates opt to attend other schools? This is a tough question to answer but it could be a good assignment for some business students! In my opin- ion McLeans Magazine has not

considering the excellent staff and administration that we pos- sess at UPEI.

I think that the construc- tion ofauniversity student center [sic] would bean enticement for local students and should be a priority item. There is a move toward community integration onbehalfofthe university, which can only have positive results. The university has so much to offer but is rarely tapped by the community. The library would, could and must come up with a fund raiser. As the only univer- sity we should have a more ex- pansive and extensive library.

The issues of tuition fees and the cost of books are for the student the most crucial of all the concerns.

Thecurrent cost of $292. per course has jumped $50. in the last three years, the cost of books is astronomical and diffi- cult for the non studentto grasp. “J just can’t believe the price of books”. Student fees and food add to the cost and makes at- tending any university very ex- pensive.

There is no easy solution to tuition fees, but maybe one could make it [tuition fees] a priority item and look at the rami- fications of a 2 or 3 year freeze, like they’ ve done in British Co- lumbia. Maybe the government should return to the business of student loans and bypass the banks and their interest rates.’ Any bank that makes a profit of $400 million per year could/ should consider low interest to future customers. It’s good busi- ness.

UPEI is like many uni- versities across this nation, there are some issues that are con- stant, there are problems that can be solved and there are ad- justments that must be made in order to ensue a positive future for our university.

Tex MacDonald

Editors note: Letters to the Editor are not edited for grammaticalerrors, spelling, or content. Nor do the views ex- pressed in Letters to the Editor represent the views of the edi- tor, the Panther Prints, the Stu- dent Union or UPEI.

I was recently ap- proached by another student and asked to join the upcoming protests against rising tuition costs. I was told that the gov- ernment is breaking the backs of students, forcing us to sink in debt, and denying us our right to an accessible educa- tion. I agree that every Cana- dian has a right to post-sec- ondary studies. One cannot be denied access to university due to colour, class or sex. Every- thing else though, must be earned. It is my opinion that ur ridiculously lowtuition fees e the main causes for the cost utting measures, made by niversities across the coun- , which have resulted in a oorer course selection and a owering of the basic stand- ds of our education. (Take or example the loss of some lented professors under the niversity's “Freedom 65" Olicy.) It is time for a radical hange, just not the one every- ne thinks. Over the years, I ave come up with a few ideas at I believe will truly better ur education. Approach them ith an open mind.

First, students are to be esponsible for the full cost of eir university education. No ore 4 or 5 per cent incre- ents. Raise tuition fees all the way once and for all. Second, universities must be made open

Sept 17, 1996

to mature students only. Cur- rently, this means anyone over 21 who has been out of school for a couple of years; and I see no reason to change it. How many bright first year students have lost scholarships, dropped courses, or failed due to lack of experience in life? Suddenly given absolute freedom, they suffer a sensory overload that can only be dimmed by late nights and Windex colodas. Atleast, this is what happened tomeand many of my friends.) So, upon completion of high school our government will give each graduate a one-way ticket to any country they choose; and then deny them re- entry until they learn alittle bit about life and other cultures. It does wonders for one's study habits.

Third, anyone receiv- ing an 80% average at the end of high school goes to univer- sity for free. Everyone else pays. Those of you who pay the first year, yet manage to reach the 80% plateau, will receive full tuition scholarships forthe following year; and these scholarships will remain as long as your marks stay high. Students in the 80% plateau whose marks fall below that line, lose their scholarships and get to pay just like everyone else. This way, university edu- cation becomes a reward for

hard work, intelligence, and consistency. Furthermorethose who don't get the scholarships, yet choose to attend, will have a greater appreciation for what they are paying for. At a cost of over $10,000/year, they had better be absolutely sure that university is where they want to be.

What are the results of these proposals? For one, uni- versities will be cost effective; and thereby able to offer the best education. No more con- cerns about salaries, computer paper, or free parking spaces. They can concentrate on what matters - the teaching of their students.

Next, our society will be guaranteed that each and every graduate falls into one of two categories. They are either the brightest minds, or the hardest and most dedicated workers. We will go from being univer- sity graduates to “University Graduates.”

- Perhaps these proposals seem alittle harsh. I could even be accused of creating a class system of the ‘have and have not's.’ This is not my intention. I am merely trying to say that, maybe... justmaybe, we should stop begging for degrees and start earning them. —

Then maybe... just maybe, our degrees will be worth something again.

helped our overall reputation