CCSS overcharges for U-Pass
An error on the part of the Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) related to the monthly U-Pass was recently discovered by the college. Members of the CCSS accidentally had the college collect $1 per month more than was needed, and the CCSS and college agreed that refunding students the $1 would be expensive, tedious, and complex. Section 7 of the U-Pass contract allows Camosun College and the CCSS to alter the amount of the institutional subsidy without reference to BC Transit or the Victoria Regional Transit Commission. Camosun College and the CCSS agreed to reduce the institutional parking subsidy to the U-Pass program from $1/month to $0 for each enrolled member from September 1, 2012 until such time as Camosun is able to collect the correct fee from students. The U-Pass institutional subsidy will then revert to $1 per month per enrolled student.
Women’s volleyball winner
Camosun Chargers women’s volleyball team captain Hilary Graham was recently named the PACWEST (Pacific Western Athletic Association) Women’s Volleyball Athlete of the Week. Graham, a graduate of Mark R. Isfeld Secondary in Courtenay, ranks amongst the league leaders in kills per set, aces per set and total offense.
Dental program needs patients
People looking for low-cost, professional dental hygiene care are invited to contact Camosun’s dental health education centre at the Lansdowne Campus. Customized preventive services may include full assessment, removal of bacterial deposits (tartar), polishing, fluoride, x-rays, and sealants. Adult clients are advised to book a free 15-minute screening session to assess which services may be required. A special screening clinic is also being offered on the morning of Thursday, March 14. Treatments may be booked on weekdays, as well as on Monday evenings. Total costs for adults will be $60 or less. Children don’t require a screening appointment and parents may book hygiene appointments for children at a maximum cost of $20 per child. Clients of all ages are welcome. Dental hygiene students provide these services under the direct supervision of experienced and licensed program faculty.
Student aid upgrades
By March 2014, planned improvements to online student loans will help students manage their accounts and access funds more quickly by allowing them to apply for a loan, confirm their enrollment, and complete other important actions. In addition, further enhancements will provide institutions with enhanced e-services and self-service tools to speed up their access, decrease their workload, and ultimately reduce costs. These improvements are being implemented in response to student feedback received last summer. Students wanted a system that provided more timely service (especially around helping them get funds faster), made it easier to apply for loans with a fully electronic application process, and made it easier and quicker to find out the status of their account.
BC budget 2013
The provincial government released what it calls a “balanced” and “credible” budget, but, according to some, it spells more bad news for the postsecondary sector. Lucia Orser, director of external relations at the UVic Students’ Society (UVSS), stated in a press release that “the BC Liberals missed a golden opportunity to put postsecondary at the front of their family-first agenda and BC Jobs Plan going into May’s provincial election. If we are going to address the skills shortage in this province and make education more accessible, a $46 million cut in core-funding over three years is not the path to achieve this goal.” BC is the only province in Canada without a needs-based grants program. It charges the highest interest on student loans in the country and its students graduate with an average debt of $27,000. “In study after study, postsecondary education is identified as the number one driver of economic growth and job creation: a fact recognized by other provinces across Canada regardless of their governing party’s ideology,” said Orser.
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