To the members of the TCSA,
On June 20, 2020 the TCSA released a digital membership feedback survey to its members. This survey closed on June 30, 2020, and during this period of time we received a significant amount of feedback on issues students are facing in the year ahead. For more details, please find the summary of the survey results by clicking here.
We want to take this opportunity to thank our members for filling out this survey. We were able to collect valuable information to further direct our advocacy efforts and the delivery of services for the upcoming year. We want you to know that in the year ahead the Association is here for you. In September, look out for the Executive Strategic Plan, which will highlight the Association’s major initiatives for 2020-2021. Our goal is to continually improve our operations to better suit the needs of our members. Our doors (virtually and in-person) will be open, and we hope to see and hear from you in the coming months.
In the survey responses, we have read a number of concerns about Trent University and how they plan to support students through the pandemic. Students are unsatisfied with the level of communication delivered by Trent. We also read many concerns about the ability of students to afford the school year ahead. Trent has not provided a clear rationale and explanation for the price of tuition and a clear plan to support students experiencing financial difficulty. There are also a number of concerns around the quality of education that can be expected as courses and university services move online. We hear these messages, and we want Trent University to know that more needs to be done to support students through this time of hardship.
In some ways Trent has taken positive action to support students, such as creating the student rapid relief fund and subsidizing access to technology for students who cannot afford internet services or quality laptops to complete their studies with. Noting these positive steps, the University must recognize that more can be done. On behalf of our membership, we ask for Trent to be more accountable and transparent on the decisions it makes that impact students. Trent University has not been vocal enough in their plans to support students, and this needs to take place in order for students to feel secure going into the school year. Students want to know the substance to decisions Trent is making in relation to tuition and services.
We pose the following questions to Trent University on its direction for the 2020/2021 Academic year:
Why has Trent maintained the price of domestic and international tuition despite education being moved to a remote learning format?
What is being done to support International students (new and returning) during the pandemic?
What access will students have to services to support their academics, health and mental health through the year ahead?
What is the University’s communication strategy to students regarding institutional decision making?
Will the University consider including student representatives on the planning task force responsible for responding to COVID-19?
Right now, students are unsure about what to expect from Trent to begin the 2020 academic year. We ask that Trent University reaffirm their commitment to the students by answering this call for information and further action.
In solidarity,
Ann-Majella McKelvie
TCSA President