University students protest tuition fees

By Christina Chibani

 

Students at the University of Windsor are trying to make a change to rising tuition fees and post-secondary debt.

In the past few weeks, students had the choice to walk out of class to protest. The goal of the protest was to demand a fully-funded education, the elimination of fees and the removal of interest on existing students loans.

“I want my friends to have an accessible education,” said Matthew Dunlop, UWSA vice-president of advocacy. “The main focus is to eliminate existing student loans is to eliminate existing student loans and get rid of debt for current students and for students who already have graduated.”

The Windsor Faculty Association supports the National Day of Action and is encouraging students to voice their opinions, according to Dunlop.

“Every year the government supports less and less of student tuition. This year it dropped down to 45 per cent,” said Dunlop.

Basma Dawood is a 22-year-old second year industrial engineering student who is working two jobs trying to pay for tuition.

“I pay $5,707 every semester and would like more help from the government,” Dawood said. “As a student, it is hard and time-consuming to work two jobs and go to school.”

The last National Day of Action was in 2012. Many students wrote letters to the prime minister regarding high tuition fees.

Joe Campa is a 21-year-old fourth year engineering student who has been on OSAP since his first year.

“Tuition rising is completely based on budgetary reasons,” said Campa. “School is a business, plain and simple. Tuition is the main form of income to continue to support the campus.”

Students were encouraged to inform their professors before participating in the protest to avoid academic penalties.