In signing up for my Fall 2016 classes, I noticed a charge called Experiential Learning & Wellness (ELWF) of $50.22. I called OReg to ask what this new charge covered and how it benefits me and the student body. OReg told me this fee is meant to provide support to students in the form of peer and mentoring relationships.
I would like to initiate a conversation on how this fee covers “Learning and Wellness” in the majority of student disciplines at UFV. As with all fees, this additional fee is capable of increasing with time along with existing tuition fees. Furthermore, there should have been a notification delivered to all students regarding an increase in fees and what these fees support.
I suggest this new additional fee be itemized as to its spending and have the ability for a student to opt out if this fee does not cover any benefits available to certain students (ie. physics does not have an SLG or additional help or peer mentorship for a student having trouble in physics).
This additional fee for me totalling $50.22 is approximately 5.0 hours of work on minimum wage to cover services already in existence — I would think UFV would like to keep its services affordable and not pay for redundant services comparable to those already in place.
Thank you,
Jon Dearden
