The Arts Undergraduate Society of UBC Vancouver
Buchanan D140 – 1866 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
(604) 822-4403
www.aus.arts.ubc.ca
Statement on consultation of proposed international tuition and housing cost increases
Passed by AUS Council on November 4, 2014
On October 7th, UBC announced to a select group of student leaders that it was considering significant
increases for incoming international student tuition (10%) and 8-month housing costs (20%) in
September 2015. Since then the Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) has been working with the Alma
Mater Society (AMS) to address issues of both the proposed international tuition and housing fee
increases, as well as the problematic consultation process outlined in UBC’s Policy 71. The AUS has
been engaged in the consultation process, ensuring representation at all meetings since the fee
increases were announced. Furthermore, the AUS has worked to engage students on multiple fronts,
bringing forward forums for arts students to speak on the issues. As the official stance of the Alma
Mater Society is opposition, the AUS’s official position is also opposition to the proposed increases.
The initiatives that the AUS and the AMS carry out will also be shaped by the motions passed at the
AMS Annual General Meeting on October 28, 2014. These motions are outlined as follows:
1. WHEREAS the university has proposed to increase international undergraduate student tuition by
10% for the incoming 2015/16 cohort.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the AMS oppose the proposed increases to international student tuition to be
implemented in 2015.
2. WHEREAS the university has proposed increases in housing fees, including rent and meal plans, by up
to 20% starting September 2015.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the AMS oppose the proposed increase to housing fees to be implemented in
2015.
3. WHEREAS university housing is exempt from the Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia, which
governs the relationship between tenants and landlords, leaving students without tenants’ rights.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the AMS advocate to the provincial government for legislation that ensures
tenants’ rights within university housing.
4. WHEREAS the provincial government has recently cut core funding and considers further cuts to
funding for postsecondary education.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the AMS advocate to the government for increased postsecondary funding.
5.WHEREAS the student body has voiced its strong opposition to the proposed housing and
international tuition fee increases.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the AMS support student groups mobilizing and organizing to oppose these fees.
This includes but is not limited to provision of meeting spaces, promotions, materials and people power.
The Arts Undergraduate Society of UBC Vancouver
Buchanan D140 – 1866 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
(604) 822-4403
www.aus.arts.ubc.ca
6. WHEREAS the student body has voiced its strong opposition to the proposed housing and
international tuition fee increases.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the AMS organize student protests to oppose said increases until the increases
have been voted down by the Board of Governors.
7. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the AMS will publish motions passed at this AGM to major media outlets.
Beyond the issue of proposed fee increases themselves, the AUS is concerned by the short
consultation for international tuition that has been provided by the university, a process that has
already been extended from the initially proposed 30 day consultation to 43 days. This is still not
enough time to consult students on changes of this magnitude, especially with UBC only having
recently both provided information to students and facilitated Town Halls to voice opinions. The
process has also been troubling with information trickling in to students throughout the process,
rather than at the beginning of the 43 days.
Furthermore, the university is not consulting students on the proposed housing fee increase, as there
is no policy at the university that asks for this consultation. Student leaders are being provided with
information on the subject, but have no administrative forum to oppose the proposed increases. The
AUS believes this is highly problematic, seeing as the proposed increases will effect a large amount of
students.
Ultimately, the AUS is troubled by the short and inadequate consultation process in terms of
international tuition and the lack of consultation on the proposed housing fee. The AUS will be working
with the AMS on their initiatives following the AMS Annual General Meeting. We will be also holding
Public Education Forums on Wednesday, November 5th from 12PM-3PM and Thursday, November 13th
from 11AM-2:30PM in Buchanan Courtyard to educate arts students on the proposed fee increases
and solicit opinions and feedback. In addition, we have more information and a survey to learn about
your thoughts at aus.arts.ubc.ca.