TFCC 2024/25 – GSA’s Advocacy on Tuition and Fees

The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) is committed to advocating for the needs of graduate students at UCalgary during the annual Tuition and Fees Consultation Committee (TFCC) meetings. The GSA ensures that graduate student voices shape this year’s tuition and fee decisions. Alongside the Students’ Union (SU), we have brought forward students’ concerns and ideas to the Provost’s team, drawing from feedback gathered through student surveys, council meetings, direct conversations, and our research efforts.

On October 29th, the Provost’s team presented their revised proposal, which incorporated some of our recommendations. However, we are actively advocating for further improvements by pursuing solutions that prioritize financial relief and make a meaningful difference for all graduate students and other stakeholders within the university.

Our Top 5 Asks for 2024/25:

1. Reduction of course-based international student tuition increases
2. Reduction in Mandatory Non-Instructional Fees from 4% to 2%
3. Creation of tuition/fee-offsetting “Affordability Grants”
4. Commissioning a report on the effects of operating grant cuts on the University
5. Commit to a Strategy on How to Close GPA Gap

These asks target financial relief, increased transparency, and enhanced support for students and University staff who provide critical services to our community. We will present these priorities again to the Provost’s team on November 4th, seeking meaningful outcomes that reflect student feedback and align with the realities many students face.

For detailed insights into our counterproposals, view it here:

Next Steps

The GSA will continue to push for these priorities throughout the budgeting process and advocate for sustainable solutions that reflect graduate students’ needs. We invite all graduate students to stay informed on these developments and participate where possible.

Stay Connected: Stay informed about our advocacy efforts by following us on social media and joining our newsletter for updates!