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SRC and DUT reach an agreement on student issues

SRC and DUT reach an agreement on student issues

Media Statement by Prof Nqabomzi Gawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Institutional Support and official spokesperson of the Durban University of Technology (DUT)

Management at DUT together with the Student Representative Council (SRC) met yesterday and settled students concerns on issues of accommodation and student fees. An agreement was signed by the SRC president, Mfanafuthi Ngwabe and Prof Gawe. The agreement states that meritorious academically disserving students who are experiencing financial difficulties will be assessed and will be entered into an agreement with the university in respect of the payment of fees.

1. Outstanding Fees: NSFAS Funding

· Students who qualify for NSFAS funding in 2010 will be given forms on the basis that they have passed their 2009 examinations; individuals owing outstanding 2009 fees will be given loan agreement forms.
· Students who were not previously NSFAS funded will be granted financial aid if they are unable to complete payment for their 2009 course fees due to personal circumstances. These student will be assisted with NSFAS funding to register and will received 2010 funding; however, they will also be bound to a NSFAS loan agreement.

DUT has also provided student in arrears with a fee concession provided they have passed all 2009 subjects and meet the academic requirements to register for the 2010 academic year. The concession is dependent on how much an individual is owing.

2. Accommodation

· Management has agreed to review some of the leases students were not happy about, if need be find alternative accommodation for students. Management has also agreed to install fridges in rooms where there is a need. The restructuring of the Housing Department will be embarked on as soon as possible.

Transport

· The Dean of Students and the SRC will work together to resolve issues on transport.

3. Security

· Security concerns of the Midlands Campus will be dealt with in a collaborative effort with the SRC.
· The swipe card system will be operational from July 2010, at all Durban Campuses.

4. Computer Laboratory and Library

· Extending the operating times of computer laboratories and libraries has been discussed and considered together with input from management and the SRC. A final proposal of the extended times will have to be passed by the Executive Management before it is implemented.

5. Funeral Levy

· The current funeral levy of R3 000 per student will be increase to R10 000 per student in 2010.
· Transport cost to and from the funeral will be shared equally by the SRC and DUT.

End