VIU's $12.6 million deficit budget sparks renewed call for international student tuition equity

Vancouver Island University's (VIU) Board of Governors recently approved a budget for 2023-24 that includes a significant $12.6 million deficit. This proposal comes after a forecasted deficit of $13.6M for 2022-23. The VIU Students' Union (VIUSU) is committed to working closely with the university to ensure that students continue to receive a quality education and comprehensive student services during these financially challenging times. However, we also recognize the importance of fighting for tuition equity to prevent international students from bearing the brunt of the deficit through ever-increasing tuition fees.

Elissa Miranda, VIUSU Chairperson, emphasized VIUSU’s dedication to ensuring that all students have access to a quality education. "We understand the financial challenges that our institution is facing, but we must not let this compromise the quality of education and the services provided to our students," said Miranda. "Our priority is to work collaboratively with the university to find solutions that will benefit all students, including international students, who have historically faced the most significant tuition increases during times of budget deficits."

In 2021 VIU adopted their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, where one of their goals is committing to helping more learners from equity-deserving groups enrol and thrive at VIU. However, their constant reliance on international students and tuition fees to make up their budget deficits goes back on this commitment. It is important that VIU takes proactive measures to fulfill their commitment and support students from equity-deserving groups, regardless of their financial situation.

In the coming months, VIUSU will engage in ongoing dialogue with the VIU administration to address the challenges presented by the deficit budget and hold them to their commitments. Through collaboration and open communication, we aim to find innovative and fair solutions that will minimize the impact on students and maintain the high-quality education and services that VIU is known for.

At the meeting, Student Governor, Katy Hamedankhah posed a question about VIU’s seemingly optimistic enrolment projections and raised a concern about what appeared to be a reduction in scholarship and bursary funding. In response to concerns raised, the University stated that they are taking a conservative approach to enrolment, but did not provide a clear explanation regarding other solutions.

We also recognize that employees and faculty are the backbone of this university, and their work is critical to providing a high-quality education to students. Therefore, the Students’ Union is committed to working hand-in-hand with the university to explore alternative revenue sources, cost-saving measures, and long-term strategies that will not disproportionately impact any group of students or employees. We will advocate for fair and equitable treatment of all members of the VIU community. 

The Students’ Union is calling for the regulation of international tuition fees for predictability and fairness from VIU. We encourage all students to engage in the conversation and make their voices heard. By standing united and advocating for the best interests of our diverse student body, we can ensure that VIU continues to provide a world-class educational experience for everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation.

For more information on the VIUSU's initiatives and advocacy work, please visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to create a bright and equitable future for all VIU students.