OCA fees – OCASA response
This is a statement from the OCA Student Association Committee, in response to the OCA’s announcement on fee levels from September 2012.
It is regrettable that the new Government policy on Higher Education Funding has put OCA, an open access educational charity committed to extending arts learning opportunities to all, into a position where it has to make these significant increases in fees. Prior to reaching a final decision on implementation of the increases for September 2012, the OCA management shared its proposed approach with the OCASA Committee, on a confidential basis. We were not, of course, party to the full financial details behind the level of fee increase, but we were asked to comment on the proposal to protect current students from the full impact, and on the details of the application of the proposed fee structure.
We supported the principle of protection for current students but made comments on:
- The length of the period for which the protected status would apply;
- The deposit levels and instalment periods for students choosing to pay that way;
- The impact of the new higher fee levels for non-EU students.
Having listened to our views, OCA made changes and the new fee structure recently announced has:
- A longer period of protection than originally proposed
- Deposits for current students retained at present levels; and slightly longer repayment periods for new students;
- The facility for all students, including those outside the EU, to apply for bursaries through the Learner Support Scheme.
OCA has not been able to do everything that we asked, but we have at least been in a position to influence the implementation of the fee increases on behalf of OCA’s student body and we are confident that OCA has sought to implement the fee increases in as fair a manner as possible.
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It’s good to hear that OCASA is having a degree of influence, and that OCA is consulting them on such things. The value of the organisation is already becoming apparent, many thanks for doing what you do on behalf of the student body.
Thanks for what you’ve been able to achieve on our behalf, Stan et al. The three key achievements will make a real difference to many, including me.
Thanks to all at OCASA who have been instrumental in safeguarding our interests…it clearly has been a challenging time…your efforts on our behalf are much appreciated.
While its regrettable that the fees have to rise, the consultation with OCASA has assured me that the OCA have attempted to find a happy medium for what they can accept without impacting their business, and what is realistic for students to pay.
Of course being only on my second level 1 course and aiming for a course a year, I now feel I need to speed up to ensure that I’m completed by 2017!
Thanks to everyone involved in OCASA and Gareth for the negotiating and presenting the information to us all in such a clear manner.
Like Sarah, I am feeling an urge to grab my camera and rush out to shoot another exercise. 2017 is a very tight term for me, as I have just started in last November.
Anyway, five years’ grace is good news. Thank you, Stan and the team for your efforts.
Thanks to all at OCASA for your efforts and achievements on our behalf.
Thanks to all who’ve found a fair and reasonable solution to a difficult situation.
I would like to echo the sentiments above. It is good to know that student interests are being represented. Many thanks for your efforts.
Thanks for the positive comments, everyone.
Just to clarify something for SarahG & Stan(Slava11); the protected period to end-August 2017 applies to enrollments, not completions. Providing that you enrol for all your courses before end August 2017, you get the protected prices – then you have up to two years to complete i.e. to 2019.
Hope that reassures you a little.
Stan
Many thanks to OCASA reps for your input to the process of setting the new fee level.I am heartened to learn that some of your suggestions were implemented to the benefit of students.
Roberta
Thanks to both the OCA and the OCASA for working together to find a good solution for all.
Thank you OCASA for your hard work and to the OCA and whoever is behind the important buffer to protect existing students’ fees.