Carleton University Presents Historic Budget: Student Fees Outpace Public
Funding as the Main Source of Income

OTTAWA, April 23 /CNW/ - At its Town Hall held yesterday on its 2010-2011 budget, Carleton University announced student fees will cover more of the University's operating budget than grants from the provincial and federal governments combined.

"When tuition fees outpace government funding, it is a sad day for so-called 'public' institutions," said Austin Miller, Vice-President External of the Graduate Students' Association. "Students are facing the worst employment market on record and yet are expected to carry the brunt of the recession. Not only will Carleton be raising tuition fees, but class sizes are also going up - to put it simply, students will be paying more for less."

Tuition fees are slated to rise between 4% and 14% and will account for 48% of the University's operating revenue. Government grants are expected to contribute 47%, with the remaining balance consisting of miscellaneous sources including additional, non-tuition fees charged to students.

"Premier McGuinty wants to be remembered as the 'Education Premier', and he may get his wish - only it will be for creating a system that relies on high tuition fees, large classes, and massive student debt," said Erik Halliwell, President of the Carleton University Students' Association. "Carleton University's budget is one reminder that we are witnessing the slow death of accessible, public post-secondary education in Ontario."

For further information: Austin Miller, Vice-President External of the Graduate Students' Association: [phone]; Erik Halliwell, President, Carleton University Students' Association: [phone]