Should | pay Tuition? Students can now rest assured that itis safe to do so

Public attention to this issue, raised by the Student Union, has led to a promising develop- ment. In response to concerns from both students and the public, the university has indicated that every effort will be made to make up for time lost in order to complete the academic term in the event of a strike. More importantly though, they have also indicated that refunds would be available for those students who are inconve- nienced to the point where they

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would be unable to finish their term.

Understandably, I am relieved to have received this assurance and now rest comfort- ably with the understanding that those words have been put to paper and made public by the university President.

I initially stated that many students would be hesitant about paying for their tuition during uncertain times. We now know stu- dents will not loose their money, in fact could even be refunded if required. To that point, I am now comfortable in paying my student fees and I hope many others will be comforted by the same develop- ments. Incurring late penalties and interest charges would be unwar- ranted at such times as this one

~ concern has now been alleviated. A great deal of anxiety still

hangs in the air. A large majority of professors on campus seem to sup- port their union and its discussions

concerning a strike. However, in

the face of this overwhelming threat, I believe we should all take the high road and go about busi-

www.upei.ca

UPEI STORM WATCH

LeU EEE HSE!

Fa decision is made bo close or delay opening be UPEI campus, details wil be avaiable as follows:

Radio Stations: Radio announcements by 7:00 am if possible, and throughout the day when required: CFCY/CHTN/Magic 93, (BC Radio, and C102 (Summerside).

UPEI Hotline: A recorded message, by 7:00 am if possible, on the UPE! hotline with updates as necessary throughout the day at 894-2882

UPEI Web site: An urgent notice, in ed, at the top ofthe news and events bar of the UPE! website,

ness as usual. We need not add fuel to the fire nor beat the drums of civil disobedience - at least not yet. Instead, lets encourage our profes- sors and the university Board of Governors to return to the table and work towards a solution. Lets follow their actions closely, and respond only in the eventuality that our union, the students of UPEI, are negatively impacted by the actions from either side.

I leave you with the assur- ance that everyone at the Student Union is deeply concerned with the recent events and the breakdown of conciliation. In this case, our futures are tied to the outcomes of the faculty negotiations just as much as yours and we will acting with the best interest of all students at mind over the coming weeks. If push came to shove, public support

from all students at UPEI could be enough to tip the scales for either side. In recent days it has been sug- gested to me that perhaps the Student Union should remove themselves from the situation. To those people I counter with, "Are you crazy?". Any decisions in this process will effect every single stu- dent on campus. I can guarantee you that while both parties are looking out for their best interests, so will we.

Indeed there remains many uncertainties in this process and only time will provide the answers; however, in the meantime I encour- age everyone to follow very close- ly yet remember what we are here to do - to advance our education.

MEMO:

DATE: _ January 6, 2004

TO ALL UPEI STUDENTS

‘|In light of recent media attention regarding the state of negotiations between UPEI and its Faculty Association, we have been receiving juiries from concerned’students. —

making every effort to via the resumption of ami-

ersity is placitig the interests

UPEI Cadre January 8, 2004 page 3