inbrief

Changes in grad students’ fees
Memorial’s Board of Regents recently approved changes to the graduate student fee structure. The patterns of work and study are quite different for graduate students these days, said Dr. Chet Jablonski, dean, School of Graduate Studies. Many doctoral students must balance family, financial, and workplace demands in order to complete their programs and it is highly unrealistic to expect all students to complete their programs within three years, he said.

In view of these pressing contingencies, the board has agreed that fees will be payable over 12 semesters (four years), rather than the current nine semesters. This change effectively reduces fees by 21 per cent. Continuance fees will now be set at 8.15 per cent for all doctoral programs. A prorated refund schedule will be in effect in September 2004.

Dr. Jablonski said believes that the change in fees both recognizes the real experiences of today’s graduate students and makes the possibility of pursuing an advanced degree more appealing.

The Works works out deal
Negotiators for The Works (Memorial University Recreation Complex) and employees represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE, Local 3336), have agreed on a new four-year contract. The employees include fitness and aquatics instructors, lifeguards, maintenance staff, receptionists, events staff and staff at the Tim Hortons outlet, among others.
The board of directors of The Works ratified the agreement this week. The union membership had voted earlier to accept the deal.

The contract will run from July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2007.
The Works is the recreation complex serving Memorial University and the general community. It includes the Aquarena, the Field House and other recreation facilities throughout Memorial’s St. John’s campus.