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January 21, 2000
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Volume 7, Number 9 |
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GENERAL |
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Provincial meetings on affordable higher ed. hear loan and tax ideasBy Cindy Paquette Accessibility to student loans for middle-class families and a tax reward for graduates who stay in Saskatchewan – those are the messages people around the province are giving Post-Secondary Education Minister Glenn Hagel during the first part of the provincial government’s consultation on financial accessibility. Hagel and Liberal Leader Jim Melenchuk announced in December they would consult with 15 communities, after election promises from both the NDP and the Liberal Party to provide free tuition dollars to students fell flat. Participants in all locations to date agree that free first-year tuition for post-secondary education students is not the best solution, nor do they support the Liberal proposal of a $1,000 grant to all students. They would be more willing to accept the idea if it was targeted towards students who are completing, rather than beginning their studies. The vast majority of people have indicated they prefer some sort of tax benefit for graduates who stay in Saskatchewan as a means of helping students reduce their debt load and to encourage students to stay in the province after finishing their education. The primary barrier to financial accessibility appears to be the province’s student loan system. The troubles faced by middle-income families have been cited repeatedly in almost all of the stops to date. "We make too much money to qualify for a student loan, but not enough to send our kids to university," said one Humboldt parent and educator at the public meeting in that city. Many parents in La Ronge, Meadow Lake, Humboldt, and Prince Albert also pointed out the high cost of living expenses for rural students who have to move away from home to attend post-secondary education and training institutions. They urged the government to recognize that difference and address it in the provincial student financial assistance program. Another common theme is the use of technology and distance education initiatives to improve the course offerings in rural and smaller urban communities so students can live at home while they pursue their studies, thereby reducing the cost of post-secondary education. While some participants felt Internet technology should be used to enhance, not replace, the traditional classroom model, others pointed out that web-based courses would allow students to pursue an education from their own communities. The financial accessibility consultation process will continue throughout January and is intended to inform the government’s 2000-01 budget decisions. Those who cannot make any of the 15 meetings, but would still like to be heard are invited to submit their views in writing by Jan. 21, 2000 to bill.derby@sasked.gov.sk.ca or call toll-free 1-800-597-8278.
For further information, visit the web site or contact communications@usask.ca
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Next issue of On Campus News: Friday, February 4
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