By Michael Scoular (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: January 7, 2015
The BC provincial government has lifted its 2005 policy prohibiting universities from charging tuition on Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses, which are usually necessary to attain high school equivalency.
It is currently unclear whether English as a Second Language (ESL) programs will be affected, but the lifted policy will impact UFV’s Upgrading and University Preparation (UUP) program; in future semesters, the university may be able to charge full tuition. Designated by 0XX numbering, these courses act as high-school equivalencies, allowing students who did not take these courses while in high school, or whose grades do not fulfill prerequisites, to improve their academic standing and, upon completion, take university-level courses.
Following the announcement, critics responded by saying the move decreases access to education for adults and younger students. The BC branch of the Canadian Federation of Students called the decision a poor replacement for the province’s reduced ESL program funding. Vancouver Community College recently was forced close its ESL program because of a lack of funding, laying off “about 72 staff members,” CBC reported last May.
Speaking with News 1130, chairperson Zachary Crispin said, “It’s so important to getting people in the door, at college or university to continue their education, who never would otherwise. The imposition of tuition fees on these programs is a complete reversal of policy that ultimately will hurt the most in need in British Columbia.”
In the Kootenays, Selkirk College says it is committed to not applying tuition costs to upgrade courses, despite the government’s decision.
“Until we receive a clear commitment that no reductions to our operating grants are planned by the province for ABE programming, we will also not be contemplating any changes to our programming or tuition charges,” president Angus Graeme said in an online release.
UFV has yet to comment on the provincial government’s decision. The Cascade will continue to follow this story in coming weeks.
Correction: Originally we said the GED was a program, whereas it is a test. We also indicated the ending of the GED was the reason for the potential tuition charges on ABE courses, whereas it was the lifting of provincial policy enacted in 2005.
