We, the undersigned, oppose the University’s recent changes to its policy regarding International Student Enrolment and Tuition Fees. We regard the University’s policy for late payment of tuition fees to be too harsh and punitive. In particular, we oppose:

1. The imposition of a $200 fine for late payment

2. The blocking of access to Blackboard and other University systems, which plays havoc with their education

3. The cancellation of the student’s enrolment

4. The immediate transferring of debt to a private debt collecting agency and the need to pay subsequent costs to the debt agency, creating further economic hardship for international students

5. The absence of a grace period for missing a payment unless an application for an extension has been granted on the vaguely defined grounds of ‘exceptional circumstances’.

These policies put unnecessary economic and emotional stress on international students, many of whom already face incredibly difficult circumstances. Considering the University enjoys an operating surplus of $44.4 million, much of which is garnered from the $100 million paid by international students for their tuition, we strongly urge you to change your policy and adopt a much more sensitive and supportive approach to international students that puts their educational needs above the University’s drive to expand its operating surplus.

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