Students who enjoy the convenience of paying their tuition fees with Visa or MasterCard will be forced to find an alternative method of payment this summer.
Earlier this week, a notice was posted on the University of Calgary's enrollment services webpage notifying students of the change; however, the university has yet to publicly announce the reasons behind the decision.
In 2004, the nearly $1 million in credit card processing fees was raised as an issue of concern, as the university noted the money could be better spent on other services for students. At the time, however, the Students' Union stressed that credit card payment was a necessity for those students who need extra time to earn enough money to cover their fees.
SU president Julie Bogle stated that while the SU was notified of the decision two weeks ago, they were not adequately consulted in the process.
"It is really unfortunate that after the SU has worked in collaboration with the university successfully on so many other projects that there was not any appropriate consolation on a policy of this magnitude," said Bogle. "We really would have like to see something like a one year time line which would have allowed students to prepare and make the appropriate financial commendations."
The policy change comes into effect Jul. 1, 2008.
University administration could not be reached for comment before press time.
Comments
If the credit card fees are truly the issue with the UofC and UofA's administration, then maybe an option for students to pay a credit card surcharge of maybe $100-150 on an $8000 charge might be a viable alternative as opposed to the UofC and UofA just completely dropping the credit card payment option.
While the fees and the concept of students living off their credit cards (hinting at poor financial management) are valid concerns I'm firmly in the camp that says they are necessary evils.
Seriously. There is only one way to describe the University of Calgary administration in relation to this and how they've handled it:
"Fucking bastards."
That's not hyperbole or intended for shock value, ladies and gents. The university is genuinely fucking students in this matter and they are acting like true, unabashed bastards.
I'm sickened, straight-up sickened, by this, and this is coming from someone who sees a lot of bullshit and subterfuge and greed going on within administration on a daily basis.
Objectivity be damned, admin is flat-out wrong this time.
i'll be sure to never give a cent to this school as an alumnus.