On Thursday, Jan. 17, the Ontario government announced new policies on tuition, student fees and student assistance.
The changes involve university and college tuition levels for all funding-eligible enrolment; student ancillary fees; OSAP award amounts; and the repayment of Ontario student loans.
Specifically, under a new tuition framework, colleges and universities are required to reduce tuition fees by 10 per cent in 2019-20 from their current levels.
Under a tuition freeze, tuition fees for 2020-21 must remain at the 2019-20 level.
The government also announced a new approach to ancillary fees. This approach will create different types of ancillary fees; some of which will now be optional for students. Fees used to fund major, campus-wide services and facilities or fees which contribute to the health and safety of students will remain mandatory. The government has stated that essential campus initiatives include: walksafe programs, health and counselng, athletics and recreation and academic support.
As we receive more information, the University of Guelph-Humber will be working closely with its institutional partners at the University of Guelph and Humber ITAL.
Also, a number of changes were announced to OSAP. These changes are intended to ensure the program addresses students with the greatest financial need, according to the government announcement. Changes include elimination of the non-needs-based portion of the Ontario Student Grant and reduction of the family income thresholds required for its eligibility. Changes to the student loan program include new loan collection tools.
The University of Guelph-Humber is committed to the success of its students and with its partners will make decisions on how best to ensure that success.
With thanks,
John Walsh
Vice-Provost
University of Guelph-Humber