UTech students upset over new registration policy

Students at the University of Technology, UTech, are upset about a system which demands that they pay part of their tuition before they are allowed to register for their courses.

According to UTech, new students and those benefiting from the Students’ Loan Bureau should pay $20,000 while others must pay $50,000 in order to register for their courses.

The university argues that such a plan is necessary to resolve registration and enrolment issues that develop yearly and will help to safeguard the financial status of the university.

UTech says in the past, some students selected courses yet failed to pay the required fees which prevented other students who could pay, from enrolling in classes.

The institution says this affects the time frame in which students complete their degree.

However, in a message on its Facebook page, the UTech Students’ Union, said it has several issues with the payment plan.

It says the changes were not communicated in a timely manner so that students could make the necessary adjustments.

In addition, the organisation is raising concerns that the changes have unclear implications for SLB beneficiaries, students who have applied for scholarships and those who live on the campus.

The Union says it is moving to have the concerns addressed.

Meanwhile, students have complained on social media that the plan represents an additional financial burden.

Classes for the 2015-2016 school year are scheduled to start at UTech on August 24.