Answers to Your Questions

The 2003-2004 school year brings with it many changes at VST,

not only in the surrounding landscape, but also in policies and

procedures. In order to ease some of the confusion and provide

accurate information, your VSTSA Executive has taken your

questions to administrators to get the answers. Listed below are

answers to questions you’ve been asking.

What is this new $600 fee about?

The $600 fee is a projection based on anticipated increases in Student Fees. Student Fees need to be paid up front because these are costs that VST must pay to outside organizations, such as Translink, UBC, Studentcare and photographers for the ID cards. The fees pay for services and benefits that students have asked for and voted for, and are the result of considerable effort on the part of students working to gain these benefits for student well-being. As a matter of good stewardship and in the interests of preserving the financial well-being of our school, it is our responsibility to pay these fees upon registration.

We are pleased to see that Student Fees are not as high as anticipated. However, the Accounting Department has recommended that you still pay $600, with the balance being applied to your tuition.

If you are unable to pay for Student Fees, you must make some sort of arrangements with Victoria Woodward in Accounting beforehand. Otherwise, you cannot register for classes!

Were we told about the fees?

Yes. Check the letter from Wendy Fletcher Marsh in the packet you received in the mail.

I am planning to opt out of the Health & Dental plan before school starts. Will the premium be deducted from the $600?

No. Everyone will be assessed the Health & Dental Fee at registration. Those who have an opt-out slip should bring it to Accounting in order to get a refund in September, or have the amount applied to tuition.

I have a permanent opt out. Will I have to pay the Health & Dental fee?

Yes. All students have to pay. Those with permanent opt out status will receive a refund at the end of September or will have that amount applied to tuition.

How will I get a student number so I can opt out?

If you are a returning student, you will use the same number that appears on your ID card. If you are a new student, you will receive a number at registration.

Does everyone get a new ID card this year?

No. Returning students will receive a sticker to update last year’s card. New students will get ID cards with their student numbers and will be required to pay the $10 ID card fee.

Who will answer my questions about the Health and Dental Plan?

Upon registration, you will receive a copy of the Health & Dental Plan Reference Guide, which will answer many of your questions. You may also visit the Studentcare office in the SUB or their website at www.studentcare.net.

Can I opt out of the U-Pass fee?

No, opt-outs will not be allowed. Exemptions will be granted in a few cases. Check the AMS website for details at www.ams.ubc.ca.

Are there any bursaries to cover some of these fees?

Yes. Again this year there are bursaries to cover all or part of the Health & Dental Plan premium. There are also subsidies available to help with the U-Pass fee. For information, check the AMS website at www.ams.ubc.ca. Hurry! There are deadlines for these applications!

Can I pre-register or register online?

No, not at this time. However, VST is exploring the possibility for next year!

Where will the Student Lounge be in the Chancellor Building?

At present there is no lounge space available for anyone –students, staff or faculty. We are, however, exploring lounge “options.” Already space has been designated in the cafeteria for a VSTSA bulletin board and the Message Board. We may be able to use cafeteria at times, the Chancellor Lounge at times and several other areas currently under consideration. Stay tuned!

What about study carrels?

Study space will be available on the lower level of the Chancellor Building. Spaces will be assigned the first week of classes and keys to the room as well as to the outside door will be issued.

How will students taking evening classes be able to turn in papers and contact professors if the doors to the Trinity wing are locked at 4:30?

Because of security issues, the door must be locked in the evening, and only a limited number of keys will be issued. We suggest that you discuss arrangements for turning in papers with your professor. Emailing your papers might be a possibility. If you are meeting with a professor after hours, you will need to make arrangements to be let in. There will be a phone available at the door. If these suggestions do not remedy the situation, we have been told that the administration would consider other options, such as installing a locked box for dropping papers off after hours. Please keep us informed as to how this is going.

What else do we need to know?

Here are just a few items that students haven’t asked about, but were suggested by VST staff and faculty

International students: You must sign up for MSP, the provincial medical plan! You can get an application online at the government website, or go to International House for assistance. And, anyone who needs translation help should check out International House’s many services!!

UBC Emergency Room is no longer available. The closest emergency room is at Vancouver General Hospital. There is a walk-in clinic in the Village for many other health care needs.

Staples has just opened in the village, with lots of specials on school supplies! The Dollar Store in the Village is the cheapest place around for computer paper at $3.99 a ream.

AMS Fees You’re paying the fees – take advantage of the services! Check out the AMS website to explore the array of benefits available. For starters, you can use your AMS card to get in free at the Museum of Anthropology and Nitobe Gardens. You can get free access (at specified times) to the Aquatic Center. Safewalk is available to escort students safely to locations on campus at night. Counseling is available at the Counseling Center at 822-3811.

Other questions? Email us at vstsa@vst.edu.

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