By: Suzell Wray

Mandeville, Manchester- United Student Movement (USM) President, Kavion Allen has confirmed that the Northern Caribbean University’s (NCU) student government was excluded from the decisions made by the administration in adjusting general fees for the 2020/2021 academic year.

In an advisory issued to students on Thursday, July 23, 2020, the university said there will not be an increase in tuition fees and related charges for the upcoming academic year. It further stated that there will be a one percent decrease in general fees.

The advisory comes a day after a JMD 6000 increase per course was noticed by students on the institution’s registration portal. This raised the ire of several returning students who immediately voiced their dissatisfaction to the USM President.

Allen, who then insisted that he was unaware of the decisions made, issued an open letter to the university administration suggesting a meeting to voice and address the concerns of students. According to the advisory issued by the university, the new actions taken were in response to this letter sent by Allen.

In a second open address to the administration on Thursday, July 23, 2020,  Allen reiterated his call for a meeting with NCU’s Student Services and Student Finance on Friday, July 24, 2020, noting that a conclusive decision could not have been drawn from his previous letter.

He also called for the university to engage the student governing body, especially in matters related to fees.

In a news release issued earlier this month, the seventh-day Adventist institution announced that all students will be taught remotely or fully online for the 2020/2021 academic year. It added, however, that face-to-face sessions will be held for students engaged in laboratory work or practicums.

The release also stated that students without access to computers and internet service will be allowed on the university’s main campus in Mandeville.

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