Don’t Cut Us Out!

Students, Staff and Faculty Speak Out Against Cuts to Post-Secondary Education

Alberta’s future depends on post-secondary education; it will enrich our economy, make our society healthier and more vibrant and it will help to solve the problems affecting our environment. Investing in Post-Secondary Education will make Alberta strong and prosperous.

“The Government of Alberta has a great opportunity to boost Alberta’s economic and social development through post-secondary education,” said Alex Massé, Vice President of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union. “We are deeply concerned that recent provincial funding decisions will jeopardize that development by forcing our post-secondaries to sacrifice either access or quality.

Although the need for post-secondary is greater than ever, provincial funding for the University of Lethbridge will see, at best, a zero per cent increase in 2010 to 2012; this will be felt all around the institution, it has forced the University to consider eliminating staff, faculty and services. The Alberta Government has the power to increase post-secondary education funding by prioritizing this grand investment.
Public Interest Alberta has launched “Don’t Cut Us Out,” a province-wide campaign that will visit the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union Office on September 15, 2009 at noon. There will be speakers representing the Students’ Union, the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association, the Graduate Students’ Association and the University of Lethbridge.
For more information Contact:

Alex Massé

VP Academic

University of Lethbridge Students’

403-329-2222

su.academic@uleth.ca

Gimme Shelter? Housing resources in Lethbridge

A little known program is available to Alberta residents here in Lethbridge to help out with high housing costs. The Rent Supplement Program, funded by the Alberta government and other stake holders and administered through Lethbridge Housing Authority, this program pays anything above the threshold of 30% of the tenants income to subsidize the difference between a negotiated market rent and 30% of the household income.

Any Alberta citizen is eligible to apply, but all applicants are prioritized based on need. This is a great program if you’re a student forced to live off campus due to residence being full and unable to accommodate your necessary monthly spending on your income because of the high cost of off campus housing. Families also benefit from this as it is total monthly income of the household. Application forms can be accessed here.

The LHA offers other housing programs to help individuals get into safe and affordable housing, if you or anyone you know need any help in this respect please contact them.

Housing remains to be a serious concern here in Lethbridge and although we have seen some movement in the number of rental proprieties available this past few months, it still is hovering at only about a 1% vacancy rate. Social Housing in Action (SHIA) and the Affordable Housing Task Forces (a joint committee with SHIA and the City of Lethbridge) have developed a plan to end homelessness, The Bringing Lethbridge Home Plan is available through the City of Lethbridge website as is Bob Tarleck’s personal vow to end homelessness. For information on what the province of Alberta is doing to combat this social issue, see their 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.

CAUS: Budget 2009 Gives Students More of the Same

Budget 2009 gives students more of the same

Edmonton, AB – The Alberta 2009 budget puts the government into the red, but avoids passing down cuts into post-secondary education. Minister of Finance and Enterprise Iris Evans announced that Government of Alberta would be continuing their previous commitments in post-secondary education but unveiled little in the way of new spending or programs that were not previously announced.

“There is a missed opportunity to make post-secondary education the key to our economic recovery,” said Beverly Eastham, chair of the Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS). “But students are relieved to see that the government is not reversing the many gains that have been made in the last few years.”

Included in yesterday’s budget is a 6% increase to the base operating grants for universities. This will ensure that tuition does not go up past inflation and that Alberta’s universities do not face cuts similar to the early 1990’s. However, students and universities will continue to face serious challenges next year and throughout the duration of the economic downturn, as no new funding was announced within the student financial aid program despite rising costs in getting a degree.

“We are still far from having the most affordable universities in Canada or meeting the challenges in providing a higher quality education-but it is good that the province is not looking to put more of the cost onto students this budget,” concluded Eastham. “We wanted to see more funding and lower tuition, but this is fortunately not a step backwards.”

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The Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS) represents the interests of students at the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge.

For more information contact:
Beverly Eastham
CAUS Chair
tel: 780-492-4236
cell: 780-237-1707

Open Up! Students, tell us what YOUR story is.

Have a university horror story? Council of Alberta University Student’s is running a province wide contest to get students to open up about the challenges they face in accessing higher education. The contest runs until December 16th and all submissions will be entered to win an ipod.

Any and all submissions are welcome! Submissions can focus on any challenges you face be it tuition charges, housing, transportation, transfer credits, poor classroom space….the possibilities are sadly endless.

Photo’s, letters, stories, video, send ‘em all in! Woah, the even rhymed. Sick.

This is great chance for your direct words to be presented to those who can make a difference.We will be collecting all submissions together to form a document using YOUR experiences to present to the Government of Alberta and our respective institutions on what challenges students face in attending post secondary school.

Please send in all submissions to su.academic@uleth.ca or to the front desk of the Students’ Union office here at the UofL, or if you’re in Edmonton or Calgary send your stuff to the respective Student Union offices. All names will be kept confidential. Contest closes December 19th 2008.

For more information please feel free to contact:

Lethbridge: Jenn Prosser, VP Academic ULSU – su.academic@uleth.ca

Calgary: Alastair MacKinnon, VP External UCSU -suvpext@ucalgary.ca

Edmonton: Bev Eastham – VP External UASU – vp.external@su.ualberta.ca

Premier Stelmach’s response to the federal goverment

*** This press release comes from the Government of Alberta and in no way reflects the opinions of University of Lethbridge Students’ Union nor is it meant to reflect the organization’s thoughts on the current situation. This is merely an item of information presented to you, the public.

December 1, 2008
Premier Stelmach urges federal leaders to “put Canada first”

Edmonton… Commenting on the political situation in Ottawa, Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach has called on federal leaders to “put Canada first” and be guided by the best interests of all Canadians.

“My hope is that cooler heads will prevail and leaders will make the right decision for all Canadians,” said the Premier.Premier Stelmach pointed out that prudent government policy, positive economic fundamentals, and the strength of Canada’s financial institutions have positioned our country to withstand the worst impacts of a global economic slowdown. “To place those advantages in peril for the sake of political gain is reckless in the extreme.”

Six weeks ago Canadians cast their votes in an election fought mainly on economic issues and the deteriorating global financial situation. Voters re-elected the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper – as a minority but with increased representation in the House of Commons (55% of federalist seats – i.e. those not held by the Bloc Quebecois).

“They did not vote for a minority coalition that will govern with the support of a party whose agenda is by definition opposed to the national interest,” said the Premier. “Such an inherently unstable government is not in keeping with the Canadian tradition of placing the needs of the nation before partisan political advantage,” he added.

“Now more than ever, Canada needs stability and predictability in government – to attract continued investment and create the jobs we need.”

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Tom Olsen
Office of the Premier
780-422-4905
780-718-3034 (cell)
Email: tom.olsen@gov.ab.ca

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Alberta has the fourth highest tutition in the country or: holy crow!

Tuition in Alberta continues to rise
Average Alberta university student to pay $239 more

Edmonton, AB – Statistics Canada reported today that university tuition continues to rise in Canada, with Alberta coming in near the top of the pack. Nationally tuition rose 3.6% this year to $4,724 but Alberta experienced a 4.7% increase to $5,361.

“It is disappointing to see tuition go up in Alberta while other provinces are working on freezing or even lowering tuition,” said Beverly Eastham, University of Alberta Students’ Union VP External and chair of the Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS).

Average undergraduate tuition fees for full-time students 2007/08 2008/09 change
Nova Scotia $6,110 $5,932 -2.9
Ontario $5,388 $5,643 4.7%
New Brunswick $5,590 $5,590 0.0%
Alberta $5,122 $5,361 4.7%
British Columbia $4,922 $5,040 2.4%
Saskatchewan $5,015 $5,015 0.0%
Canada avg. $4,558 $4,724 3.6%
Prince Edward Island $4,440 $4,530 2.0%
Manitoba $3,271 $3,276 0.2%
Newfoundland $2,632 $2,632 0.0%
Quebec $2,056 $2,167 5.4%

Students recently proposed that in the next provincial budget the Government of Alberta fully fund a rollback on tuition for 2009/10. “Tuition is too high in Alberta, and now is the time to take action and lower it,” said Eastham.

The Statistics Canada report can be found through this link.

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The Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS) represents the interests of students at the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge.

For more information contact:
Beverly Eastham
CAUS Chair
tel: 780-492-4236
cell: 780-237-1707

Duncan Wojtaszek
CAUS Executive Director
tel: 780-437-4531
cell: 780-297-4531

$115 million for post-secondary institutions but not for residences.

Today the Alberta Government announced $115 million dollars to go to upgrades and building maintenance to post-secondary institutions across Alberta. While this is very welcome, UofL will not receive any of this funding as none of our building or infrastructure projects made the high priority list. Double side to every coin right? The news release also gave no mention of any money going towards residences which have historically seen the worst of the negative side of deferred maintenance. As it stands right now, residences do not qualify for Alberta Government funding for building and maintenance as they are ancillary services and are considered to be a university responsibility solely.

CAUS – Council of Alberta University Students- ULSU’s provincial lobby group, responds to the recent infrastructure and maintenance funding announcement from the Alberta Government. For the Alberta Government release, follow this link.

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August 29, 2008

Government makes a start on campus maintenance

Edmonton, AB – Students are welcoming the announcement by the Government of Alberta of $155 million for maintenance at Alberta’s post-secondary institutions, but note there is a great deal of work still to be done.

“Students cannot help but notice the need to invest in on-campus infrastructure, so this is good news,” said Beverly Eastham, Chair of the Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS) and Vice President (External) at the University of Alberta Students’ Union. “The needs go well beyond new coats of paint and deal with the health and safety of our universities. We are glad to see some action, but more work will still need to be done.”

Of the $155 million announced today, $82.5 million is allocated to high priority projects including $41.2 million at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary. The current Government of Alberta Capital Plan identifies $357 million in maintenance funding for post-secondary institutions between 2008 and 2011. Deferred maintenance at Alberta’s universities, colleges and technical institutes is estimated to be over $1 billion.

“This year, addressing on-campus deferred maintenance is a top priority for CAUS and we are going to be pressing the government to do more, especially in our residences,” added Eastham. None of the announced funding is going towards university residences where much of the necessary maintenance is needed, as universities are expected to find the money for such maintenance from other sources. “In addition to this welcome contribution to the academic space at our institutions, we need the government to step in and help with the maintenance in university residences. Maintaining student residences is just as important as maintaining our classrooms.”

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The Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS) represents the interests of students at the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge.

For more information contact:
Beverly Eastham
CAUS Chair
tel: 780-492-4236
cell: 780-237-1707

Alberta Goverment provides funding to increase spaces for students

More spaces for students?! As I curl up to my computer this morning, in my inbox one of the first things I saw was this little ditty which made my head cold seem slightly more bearable.

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News Release

ALBERTA
Creating Opportunity
August 27, 2008
Campus Alberta system grows to meet the needs of Albertans
Number of new spaces reaches 2,447
Edmonton… By providing $73 million in funding for student spaces, Alberta has added 2,447 new spaces in universities, colleges, and technical institutes across the province. In addition, funding for 1,989 spaces will be provided to Mount Royal College and Grant MacEwan College to convert their existing university transfer and applied degree programs to bachelor’s programs. This brings the total number of added funded spaces in 2008 to 4,436.

“Alberta’s post-secondary system continues to be responsive to the needs of our economy and the priorities of Albertans,” said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Doug Horner. “Building a knowledge-based economy takes educated, innovative and highly-skilled people and our Campus Alberta system is taking a strong leadership role in realizing Alberta’s future.”In order to meet the demand and labour market needs set out in the Health Workforce Action Plan, 40 per cent of the new spaces are in the health care sector, including registered nurses, doctors, licensed practical nurses, x-ray technicians and medical laboratory technologists, to name a few.

This year’s funding also addresses demand and capacity issues across the province, specifically in Calgary and Edmonton. The government was able to work with and fund most of the expansions institutions proposed. Approval of proposals is based on criteria outlined in the Alberta Access Planning Framework, which includes data on labour market demand and student demand.&nbsp Some other factors that are considered are institutional capacity and resources, and the readiness of the program.

The total number of spaces being created in Calgary is 1,824 and in Edmonton 2,135, which includes the new bachelor’s degree programs at Mount Royal College and Grant MacEwan College. As capital projects are completed in the Calgary region in the coming years, they may have an opportunity to receive more post-secondary spaces than the Edmonton region.

“With both the Roles and Mandates Policy Framework and its accompanying Alberta Access Planning Framework we will continually address access issues,” said Horner. “Our focus is on providing all Albertans with a full range learning opportunities and today’s announcement reflects our commitment to our three clients, learners, taxpayers and society,” added Horner.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Rachel Bouska
Communications
Alberta Advanced Education and Technology
780-427-5450

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Alberta surplus reaching $8.5 billion dollars

Today, the Alberta Government announced another hike in the projected surplus from their first quarter’s reprot bringing the projected surplus to a whopping $8.5 billion. Despite this government being cast as a spendy one due to their last budget release, oil revenues and overall increases in resource revenues have been bumping up our surplus since the budget was announced.

Money is set to be used to increased Carbon capturing and storage projects, public transportation initiatives, infrastructure and to go to savings. No news yet about any of that money going towards education, post-secondary or otherwise.

Read the full news release here!!!

Our own Canadian Idol!

Woot! Go Theo!

For those of you who are not into Canadian Idol, you now have a reason. University of Lethbridge student and Coaldale native, Theo Tams, is taking the contest by storm.

With a powerful voice, great personality, and emotional performances, Theo is on the track to take the title of “Canadian Idol”!

The ULSU and the University of Lethbridge are proud to host a viewing of Theo on Canadian Idol, on the big screen in the Zoo, tonight!

Come up to the Zoo, SU Ballrooms, at 7:00pm tonight, to show your support for one of our own students! It promises to be a great show!