UOW welcomes Federal Government’s student support services announcement
3 Nov 2008 | Bernie Goldie
The University of Wollongong today welcomed as a positive move the Federal Government announcement that from July 1 2009 universities will be allowed to set a student fee to support student services and amenities.
“Today’s Federal Government initiative will see the student experience enhanced,” UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton, said.
Voluntary Student Unionism was introduced in 2006 resulting in the decline and closure of many student support services across the country. UOW also experienced a decline in student services which the University tried to maintain as best as it could with limited resources.
The Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, has announced that from July 1 2009 universities will be allowed to set a compulsory fee, capped at $250 with indexation each year, to help rebuild student amenities and student services. UOW has yet to determine the level of fee it will be introducing.
To help students manage the fee the Federal Government will provide access to a HECS style loan under the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).
Professor Sutton said there would be extensive discussions up until July next year, including input from various student representatives, as to where the fee money can best be directed. UOW could receive about $2.5 million if the new fee is set at $250 per student.
The Vice-Chancellor said services such as child care, welfare support services, health and counselling and sporting activities would all be considered for support funding.
For further information contact the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton, on (02) 4221 3909.
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