Minutes of the Meeting - Agenda Item 4.1: Students’ Tuition Fees Debts
The meeting commenced with Mr. Selby, the Chair, highlighting the critical issue of students' tuition
fees debts due to the lack of funding from the National Student Financial Aid Department. He
emphasized the strain on the college’s financial stability, noting that about 60% of students owe
tuition fees, which impacts the institution's ability to cover operational costs, including utilities, staff
salaries, and resource procurement. Mr. Selby proposed discussing potential solutions to resolve
these debts to sustain the college.
Mr. Moss acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by parents and noted that the College Board
has recommended referring some debtors to the credit bureau for further investigation.
Ms. Small shared her experience with debt counselling, which she discovered through media. She
explained that debt counselling could help manage over-indebtedness by restructuring debt
repayment plans, thus providing a way to meet tuition fees without severe financial repercussions
like repossession or blacklisting.
Ms. Zondi supported Ms. Small’s suggestion but cautioned about the disadvantages of debt
counselling, such as extended repayment periods, higher interest costs, and restrictions on new
credit. She proposed exploring alternative solutions, such as negotiating extended payment terms
with the college.
Ms. Moima from the Student Representative Council suggested organizing fundraising events, such
as marathons, sports tournaments, and beauty pageants, to support students with tuition fees. She
also proposed seeking sponsorships from local businesses and inviting bank representatives to
discuss student loan options.
Mr. Moss proposed the establishment of an academic award committee to create accolades for
which students could compete to earn bursaries, recognizing achievements in various areas
including academics, sports, and writing.
Mr. Selby concluded the discussion by affirming that various strategies to address the tuition fee
debts were explored. He agreed with Mr. Moss’s idea of implementing a suggestion box for
additional bursary award ideas. The SRC was tasked with liaising with the College Board to finalize
these initiatives. Mr. Selby thanked everyone for their contributions and assured that feedback
would be provided at the next College Senate meeting.
The meeting was adjourned with no objections to the proposed initiatives.
The meeting commenced with Mr. Selby, the Chair, highlighting the critical issue of students' tuition
fees debts due to the lack of funding from the National Student Financial Aid Department. He
emphasized the strain on the college’s financial stability, noting that about 60% of students owe
tuition fees, which impacts the institution's ability to cover operational costs, including utilities, staff
salaries, and resource procurement. Mr. Selby proposed discussing potential solutions to resolve
these debts to sustain the college.
Mr. Moss acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by parents and noted that the College Board
has recommended referring some debtors to the credit bureau for further investigation.
Ms. Small shared her experience with debt counselling, which she discovered through media. She
explained that debt counselling could help manage over-indebtedness by restructuring debt
repayment plans, thus providing a way to meet tuition fees without severe financial repercussions
like repossession or blacklisting.
Ms. Zondi supported Ms. Small’s suggestion but cautioned about the disadvantages of debt
counselling, such as extended repayment periods, higher interest costs, and restrictions on new
credit. She proposed exploring alternative solutions, such as negotiating extended payment terms
with the college.
Ms. Moima from the Student Representative Council suggested organizing fundraising events, such
as marathons, sports tournaments, and beauty pageants, to support students with tuition fees. She
also proposed seeking sponsorships from local businesses and inviting bank representatives to
discuss student loan options.
Mr. Moss proposed the establishment of an academic award committee to create accolades for
which students could compete to earn bursaries, recognizing achievements in various areas
including academics, sports, and writing.
Mr. Selby concluded the discussion by affirming that various strategies to address the tuition fee
debts were explored. He agreed with Mr. Moss’s idea of implementing a suggestion box for
additional bursary award ideas. The SRC was tasked with liaising with the College Board to finalize
these initiatives. Mr. Selby thanked everyone for their contributions and assured that feedback
would be provided at the next College Senate meeting.
The meeting was adjourned with no objections to the proposed initiatives.
