Ripping Students Off, or Just Following Protocol?

Should Massey Reduce Tuition Fees?

A group of Massey University students are lobbying for tuition fees to be reduced, as many of their courses have been disrupted by Covid-19, or moved entirely online.

Their petition, Massey Fees Reduction for Internal Students, has received over two hundred signatures from students across the Wellington, Manawatū, and Albany campuses.

Sophie Hamilton, a second-year student and creator of the petition, hopes that as support for her movement grows, Massey University’s hand is forced to provide a form of compensation for students whose studies are directly affected.

“We understand that Covid-19 has affected everyone, including the Uni, but it’s unfair to tell us to continue paying the same rates and act as if nothing has changed,” says Hamilton.

“Massey University markets themselves on having practical courses and onsite teachings. If you ask any student, in any degree, what we’re being promised and what we’re getting isn’t the same. I know so many students whose three hour workshops are now an hour. It’s ridiculous to think Massey believes this is close to what we were previously receiving,” Hamilton continues.

“It’s like buying a car and finding out one of the wheels is flat.”

The quality of online learning has also posed concerns for students. Some believe that a number of Massey University’s lecturers haven’t found an “effective” way of teaching their courses online, this has led to “15 minutes being wasted trying to set up lecture material over Zoom,” says Ella Joss, a second-year Nursing student.

She believes the move to teach a hands-on course, like Nursing, through Zoom puts students at a disadvantage when they enter their practical placements.

“Basically, our entire course will be online this semester. This means we’re missing out on valuable in-person labs that physically show us how to use essential equipment,” says Joss.

“It feels like students are bearing the brunt. We get a less effective education, and still have to pay a pretty penny,” Joss continues.

But for students, it’s not just monetary pressures that have them frustrated. Many are worried about missing out on a proper university experience.

“I feel sorry for the first years, aye. Usually we’re able to socialise and network, but online doesn’t allow for it,” says Hamilton.

“It’s currently just absorbing content and nothing else. It’s hard to blame anyone, because the Uni is only trying to keep us safe, but acting as this is a similar educational experience is only a band-aid on the problem.”

When approached for comment, a Massey University spokesperson confirmed no plans were in place to compensate students affected by blended learning.

“There is no difference in course fees between internal or distance – distance students pay the same as internal students. Delivering quality online learning is not cheaper than on-campus learning.” 

The spokesperson also reiterated that Massey is confident in the quality and effectiveness of distance learning.

“Like all universities, Massey has experienced some disruption to the delivery of our courses as a result of the recent Omicron outbreak. The University is committed to remaining open, and to ensure high-quality delivery of on-campus teaching where it is safe to do so. In situations where courses have moved online, teaching and learning activities are continuing uninterrupted, despite being in a different mode.”

Although this is a definitive answer from the University, Massey Fee’s Reduction for Internal Students is still live and gaining traction across Aotearoa.