Plan to increase costs for Basic Ed, ESL programs ‘bad news’

NEWS/ TRU — A plan to increase student costs for Adult Basic Education and English As a Second Language programs is “bad news” and would put future enrolment at risk, says TRU Faculty Association president Tom Friedman.

He said the TRU board of governors will discuss a motion Friday to impose a $1,600 per semester tuition fee that would take effect in the Fall 2015 semester. The programs, which provide students with employment, learning and language skills, and remedial courses necessary for access to further post-education at TRU, have been tuition-free since 2008.

“What doesn’t make sense in this proposal is that the majority of ABE and ESL students at our institution move on to take certificate, diploma, and degree programs after completing their ABE or ESAL courses,” Friedman said.

“Those courses provide a much needed access point for many students and the tuition fee increases will put that access point at risk.”

He said tracking of student enrolments shows that about two-thirds or more of the ABE students have gone on to take additional TRU courses.

“While senior administrators may think the increase will not have any impact on future enrolment, the tracking information suggests otherwise. The board would do well to consider rejecting this proposal and seek the input of faculty, students and the community rather than push ahead with this increase,” said Friedman.