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University to invest in the future
16 June, 2004
Better infrastructure, more courses and services, and greater
support for students for the up-front costs of studying will be the
outcomes of the University of the Sunshine Coast's (USC) decision
to increase HECS fees by 25 per cent to new students (apart from
nursing and education) in 2005.
After months of analyses and briefings the USC Council last
night decided to increase the University's capacity to further its
already extensive role in contributing to regional development.
Not to have done so would have made USC less competitive with
other universities who are interested in a presence in the region,
and who as direct competitors, have already announced 25 per cent
HECS fee increases.
USC Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Thomas, said that it was the
most difficult decision that the University had had to confront
since opening in 1996, and this decision reflected the deep concern
that all those involved in the University had about the capacity to
address regional needs.
"This region needs a strong university with a broad range of
teaching and research activity as well as the accompanying vital
infrastructure and support services. These can best be achieved by
investing in the university's future, and students, staff and the
community will be the beneficiaries," Professor Thomas said.
"We see this decision as an investment in the future of higher
education on the Sunshine Coast."
"The region will have a university it can be proud of and one
that meets the region's growing needs."
"With Brisbane universities also increasing their HECS fees the
University of the Sunshine Coast can still offer local students a
better financial option for higher education when relocation costs
for students such as rent, food and travel are factored in."
"A broader range of courses and services will result, and
students' up-front costs will be alleviated," Professor Thomas
said.
The Council has deliberated on this matter for months and the
Vice-Chancellor has been involved in a large number of discussions
both internally and externally, including discussions with
students.
Many students, whilst opposed to the national trend to increase
HECS fees, concede that the substantially increased repayment
threshold of A$36,000 will help reduce repayment pressures.
"The new fee structure will be implemented for students
commencing study in semester 1, 2005," Professor Thomas said.
"Education and nursing degrees will be exempt from the increase
as these courses are financially supported by the federal
government to increase places in these vital areas," he said.