UM providing input into new Provincial tuition fee policy

The University of Manitoba will engage in a consultation with the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration (AESI) to inform the development of a new Tuition and Fees Policy in Manitoba.

The department has invited post-secondary presidents, administrative leaders and student leadership in Manitoba to provide input into the implementation of Bill 33.

The department first informed UM of the upcoming meeting on Jan 7 and requested the names of three members of the leadership team to join the consultation. UM confirmed that it would send Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and Mike Emslie, Chief Financial Officer.

“UM is Manitoba’s research university and we are committed to offering world-class programs,” said Hiebert-Murphy. “We welcome this opportunity to once again express the importance of investing in the quality of education that Manitoba deserves, as well as our commitment to remain accessible and competitive within the U15.”

On February 17, the department confirmed that it will hold two consultations in March:

• Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM for student leaders, and
• Thursday, March 10th, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM for presidents and institutional leaders.

Through several emails, the department has shared that:

• These focus group style consultations will solicit input from post-secondary presidents and administrative leaders and student leadership in Manitoba.
• Participants will be led through a series of questions by a qualified facilitator.
• The data collected will be used to inform the development of a new Tuition and Fees policy in Manitoba.
• Any future policy resulting from these consultations will not take effect until the 2023/24 academic year.

Members of the UM community can provide input for consideration to pres@umanitoba.ca

Submissions must be received by March 4, 2022.