The Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Ian Goulter, acknowledged the announcement today by the Rudd Government regarding future fee arrangements for the provision of student amenities and services.

 

From 2010, the Rudd Government will set new national benchmarks, in consultation with students and universities, for basic student services and amenities. To help meet these new benchmarks, the Government will change the law to allow universities to levy an indexed compulsory fee on students (set at a maximum of $250 in 2009). Students experiencing financial difficulty in paying this fee will have access to a HECS style loan under the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) which will allow eligible students to defer the payment of the fee if they choose.

 

“The provision of sporting, health, counselling, advocacy and other services are critical to the overall student learning experience,” said Professor Goulter. “We welcome the Government’s announcement and its potential to help Charles Sturt University ensure the continued delivery of quality amenities and services to students.”

 

Since the abolition of the student amenity fee in 2006, CSU has spent millions of dollars of its own funds to ensure the continued provision of student amenities and services across its regional campuses. 

 

“Charles Sturt University will consult closely with the Student Senate, as the official student representative body, on its response,” said Professor Goulter. 

 

“Because of the diverse nature of Charles Sturt University’s student population, developing an appropriate response will take time.

 

“We need to take into account that we have both on campus and distance education students. It will be important to think carefully about the needs of all our students to ensure any decision of the University is fair and sustainable.”

 

The University will also need to ensure it meets the national benchmarks for student amenities and services to be determined by the Government.