UWI Students protest

[BlackCryptoKnight]

ABOUT 800 students of the University of the West Indies, Mona, yesterday marched around the campus, as they stepped up demands for the UWI administration to extend the October 15 deadline for students to pay their fees for the 2004/2005 academic year.

However, vice-principal Joseph Periera insisted yesterday that the deadline will not be changed.

"The year is half way through and the fees were due on September 3, so those persons would be deregistered now and we have given them two weeks in which to pay and be reinstated. After that the term will be too far gone for them to be reinstated so they will be on a leave of absence for this semester," Periera told the Observer.
Read the full story here (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20041005T230000-0500_67213_OBS_UWI_STUDENTS_STEP_UP_PROTEST_.asp)

What's the deal here?
Isn't it a simple case of sorting out your finances before signing up for classes or are there deeper issues here? :eusa_thin

[Cocoa]

Looks like they have deeper issues. Times are hard man. NO genie walking around bidding the fees to be paid on September 3. Can't the principal show a little grace period/time and bid them their requests?

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Looks like they have deeper issues. Times are hard man. NO genie walking around bidding the fees to be paid on September 3. Can't the principal show a little grace period/time and bid them their requests?

How do Universities in the US or UK handle the issue of registration and fees?
Isn't it a case of pay $X by Y date or you will not be allowed to register?

[Drew]

they did cocoa. the real deadline was postponed to october 15 due to the hurricane.

on another note, i agree with you. the hurricane has been devastating to people's pocketbooks so i think it could be pushed back to even a more later date.

this is getting out of hand though.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

The students have been teargassed.

[Cocoa]

How do Universities in the US or UK handle the issue of registration and fees?
Isn't it a case of pay $X by Y date or you will not be allowed to register?I can't believe they tear gassed the students! :o That thing is no joke.

Considering the hurricane and all, schools here give more than enough time. I mean these hurricanes broke pockets man. Can't expec us to pickk off leaves off the trees to pay out of nothing. This is sad. The schools here would set a date and then extend it, of course keeping in mind that the state experienced devastation.

I am with the students man. And why tear gas them? That chemical is nothing to ramp roun wid. :icon_redf

[Drew]

they tear gased them because they weren't letting anyone in or out of the compound.

[Cocoa]

Chrrps, still no excuse. :eusa_snoo

[Drew]

Chrrps, still no excuse. :eusa_snooi agree. :(

[BlackCryptoKnight]

What did they expect though? Demonstrations will get broken up by the police. The police aren't the most subtle professionals. Don't they see how they treat protestors elsewhere in the country? Or do they think that being a UWI student gives them some kind of immunity?

[Cocoa]

Yes but if that is how they need their voices heard, then protest yes! But do it in a civilised manner.

Did they protest in a civilised manner BCK? or did they start riots and fights? Then no reason for tear gas and for not hearin gwhat they have to say.

I boycott my job here to get better treatment and as long as I did it civilised, they finnally heard our voice and addressed it in meetings. Now the problem is being fixed.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Yes but if that is how they need their voices heard, then protest yes! But do it in a civilised manner.

Did they protest in a civilised manner BCK? or did they start riots and fights? Then no reason for tear gas and for not hearin gwhat they have to say.

I boycott my job here to get better treatment and as long as I did it civilised, they finnally heard our voice and addressed it in meetings. Now the problem is being fixed.

I know they blocked the entrances to the campus so no one could enter or leave. I don't know if they were otherwise unruly. I guess I will see on the news tonight.

[Cocoa]

ANd post pics too ok, thanks. Dem sound serious.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

I think there are 2 sides to this thing. On one side, the UWI administration needs to work out it's systems such that there is sufficient flexibility to give students a fair chance at getting their education. On the other hand, students also need to organize their finances and settle their debts on time like a responsible individual.

Every year there are flare ups about UWI school fees. I'm sure both sides have plenty to work on to keep things manageable and efficient

[BlackCryptoKnight]

UWI yields after protest
University offers options; Students deregistered for debts below $1,000 to be reinstated
Observer Reporter
Thursday, October 07, 2004

THE University of the West Indies yesterday offered students of its Mona campus, who may still be hard-up for cash, options that they can employ to ease their financial burden.

These options include moving from full-time to part-time status on the campus, which would only cause students to enjoy lower fees, but allowing them to pay only for the courses and credits for which they register.
Read Full Story Here... (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20041007T000000-0500_67263_OBS_UWI_YIELDS_AFTER_PROTEST.asp)

[BlackCryptoKnight]

I wonder if there will be any friction of this sort next year? :eusa_thin

[Greatis]

This is a rather unfortunate issue. It is sad. You know in barbadoes education is free so why not here in Jamaica we would not be having these issues you know chrrpppsss. .

[Drew]

because jamaica can't afford it greatis.

[Cocoa]

I think I need to go to the Barbados then to go to school free!!!! I didn't even know they had it like that.

[Chris]

I think I need to go to the Barbados then to go to school free!!!! I didn't even know they had it like that.I think you would have to be Bajan to benefit from it ;)

[Cocoa]

I think you would have to be Bajan to benefit from it ;)I think I can pass for that.