A Week in Review

Since my last post, I have had a lot going on. My first AIC meeting occured last Thursday, with a successful turnout. Started out getting a quick introduction of everyone, then right into action. The credit card issue was the first on the agenda. I gave a breif overview of the issue at hand to the committee, and requested information regard how they feel about it and any potential remedies. The majority of the committee were not happy abuot the fact that as a domestic student, they will not be able to pay via credit card, and the payment is going to have to be taken directly from their bank account either directly, or indirectly. I explained UBC's current Payment plans as follows:

New: INTERAC® Online
Electronic funds transfer (EFT)
Online or telephone banking
Cash or cheque at an HSBC Bank Canada branch
Cheque or debit card
Student loan
With National Research Council funding (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR)
Scholarships
Sponsorship/Third party billing
Staff tuition credits
Teacher certificates
Payroll deduction
Cheque or money order by mail
Incoming wire transfer/deposit
Passport to Education/Youth Options

The committee had me take the policy back and bring it to the next AIC meeting with addition research involving Canadian credit card usage statistics, and information pertinent to Kwantlen Usage.

We looked at potential ways to fight the credit card issues. These include,
Committee paying bills in $5 bills
Giant Posters, much like the Upass posters
Have students pay with credit card and send a signed letter the the president
Email board of governors
Online petition
Send letters the BOG
Ask for Faculty support

The other issue that was brought up at the meeting was the parent/student orientation. This would be combining the already present parent orientation, and student orientation into one event. Through discussion the committee decided it doesn’t enforce student independence and parent attendance would prevent students from building friendships during orientation. They felt this is what open house is for.

Right now students are unable to obtain help past a certain point in the current appeal system. With senate creating an appeal system, at the next meeting of the governance committee, and Senate this will be looked into.

Finally, we looked at readopting the policy for ensuring credit cards are kept of campus. We will also consider ensuring banks are kept of campus.

For any other information, see the report below,


academics-report-May 5_ 2010