“Arts Programming and Initiatives” hit most
A document released by VUSAC (Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council) at their October 4th meeting reported an overall incidental fee opt-out average of 23.7 percent. These numbers come as a response to the September 19th opt-out deadline imposed by the provincial government’s Student Choice Initiative (SCI).
The SCI proposed on January 1st prompted criticism and worry from student governments across Ontario’s colleges and universities. The UTSU (University of Toronto Students Union) spearheaded a campaign called ‘CHOOSEUOFT’ in response to the impending cuts from the SCI to encourage UofT students to opt-in and utilize their services.
Over 3,200 responses from full-time students and 160 from part-time students were accounted for in the reported average. Of the overall average percentage 22.17 percent of full-time students opted out of incidental fees compared to 25.47 percent of part-time students. VUSAC saw an average 22.7 percent opt-out rate, with “Arts Programming and Initiatives” receiving the highest opt-out number at 717 students. Vic levies suffered the most with an average overall opt-out rate of 24.7 percent. Victoria College’s Drama Society and VCAA banquet were the most hit with an opt-out rate of 26 percent: 25.1 percent from full-time students and 27.6 percent from part-time students.
Students will need to select incidental fees again in the upcoming winter semester.
