CAMPUS groups criticized the UST administration for allegedly not fully observing the rules governing campus consultations regarding tuition increases as prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education. The administration has denied the charge.
The administration did not release the proposal to increase tuition and other fees 15 days prior to the date of consultation for posting on colleges and faculties’ bulletin boards, according to the Thomasian Student Union, which is not recognized by the administration.
The consultation took place last Feb. 23, but according to the group, the notice was posted less than 15 days before. It claimed the received copy of the notice to the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery posted on its bulletin board was dated only Feb. 11.
The group also alleged that the administration did not release any financial statement during the consultation.
But the administration said it was waiting for the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Samahang Manggagawa ng UST (SM-UST).
“SY 2001-2002 is part of the continuing CBA negotiations with the Faculty Union and SM-UST. Sa faculty, complete na. Ang hinihintay na lang natin `yung sa SM-UST (kaya) `di pa ito available (financial statement) and `di pa tapos ang school year,” said Fr. Roberto Pinto, O.P., Vice-Rector for Finance.
The construction of the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex was also funded by the University’s endowment fund and not solely by tuition increase, Fr. Pinto clarified.
The Administration said that unlike other schools, UST is transparent in all its transactions.
“Out of generosity na ang ginagawa ko (releasing itemized schedule of tuition and other fees). Nilalagay ko lahat `yan for everybody’s information,” Fr. Pinto said.
The tuition increases for the past six years (1995-2001) were made for the University to stay liquid or risk insolvency and face government closure, like some Dominican schools in Asia and Europe, Fr. Pinto said in a previous interview with the Varsitarian. Ma. Lynda C. Corpuz
