MRU students protest possible tuition hike

A few dozen students held a noon-hour protest Thursday against what they see as looming tuition hikes at Mount Royal University (MRU).

Some held signs readingInvest in the Future and Just say no to market modifiers.

• Alberta considering tuition hikes through market modifiers
• University students, faculty march to protest MRU cuts

Earlier this fall, the provincial government opened the door to what it calls "market modificationa policy that will allow post-secondary schools to apply to the province for permission to hike tuition fees for specific programs.

The government says this way universities can bring their course fees in line with what other institutions in Canada are charging.

MRU's proposed tuition hikes would see nursing course fees increase by $100 to $594 per coursemaking it the costliest program of its kind in the province.

"We're not doing this simply as a revenue grab," said MRU president David Docherty. "I think that's incredibly important. We're doing this to make sure we can sustain the quality of these programs."

Students say they are concerned the school's business and science programs are also about to get pricier.

Lack of provincial funding, says protesters

"Think about it. The average student is taking five classes per semester, that's $500out of the student pocket," said protest organizer Laurie Gaal. "We already have students who are struggling to get by. We want the government to realize that this is not right. Students should not have to bear the burden of lack of funding."

She thinks the province has not provided adequate funding forthe new university, which was demonstrated by deep cuts to post-secondary operating grantsin 2013.

"Istill have to live at home and barely can afford gas to get here and these hikes are just not going to help thatat all," said student Tory Barber.

But MRU is not the only post-secondary institution to propose increases.

The University of Calgary has also said it wants the province to permit tuition bumps in three programs a 32 per cent increase in engineering, 24 per cent in law and 18.5 per cent over two years in business.

• University of Calgary ponders admission deposit fee

Post-secondary schools must have their tuition proposals into the province byOct.15.The Ministry of Advanced Education is expected to decide whether to approve the increases by mid-November.