Student Services Fee information
Background
Late in 2011, Parliament passed the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill which removed the compulsory element of all students paying for membership to a Student Association. In November this Act of Parliament was closely followed by a Regulation from the Minister of Education specifying the services that Universities could charge compulsory fees for.
Government regulation requires the University of Otago to ensure a range of services is available to students and that a specified number of these can be funded through the compulsory Student Services Fee.
Late in 2011, the University Council approved how the University would respond to this new environment and approved the new Student Services Fee. When first introduced at the start of 2012, the University took the opportunity to enable greater equity in how the fees are applied by establishing part charges for single semester and summer school only students.
This fee and the services it will provide in 2013 were reviewed and subsequently approved by University Council in October 2012. The Student Services Fee covers only those elements permitted under the current Regulation.
Student Services Fee (Current)
http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/fees/#student-services-fees
How the Student Services Fee is applied
| Service | $ (GST incl) |
|---|---|
| Advocacy & legal advice | 54.61 |
| Careers information, advice & guidance | 30.85 |
| Counselling Services (incl Accommodation & Chaplaincy) | 26.17 |
| Financial support & advice | 6.50 |
| Health Services | 204.98 |
| Media | 38.01 |
| Childcare services | 3.76 |
| Sports and Recreation Services facilities (incl $39.54 Internet) | 306.79 |
| TOTAL | 671.67 |
Some services are provided by the University and others are purchased from contracted third parties which include OUSA.
The funds collected from the Student Services Fee must be used for the purposes identified above and are reported annually through the audited annual accounts in the University Annual Report.
Exemptions Rebates & Variations
Summer School
Students enrolled in Summer School only, pay 1/6th of the Student Services Fee. Students who subsequently enrol in semester one or two will pay the balance of the relevant (S1 or S2) Student Services Fee.
First Semester Only
Students enrolling in the first semester pay the full year Fee but can apply at the Fees Office in the Clocktower for a refund of half the Fee provided they are not enrolled for the second semester and on surrender of their University Student ID Card before the start of second semester classes.
From the time of making an application students will be ineligible to use any of the services to which the Fee contributes.
Second Semester Only
Students enrolling for the second semester only, pay half the Student Services Fee.
Exemptions
In some circumstances students may be eligible for exemption of the Fee. Exemptions are granted only on the grounds outlined in the policy available here http://www.otago.ac.nz/administration/policies/otago029542.html
Please check eligibility before applying.
Further Information
Fees Information
http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/fees/
Fees Statute
http://www.otago.ac.nz/administration/policies/otago003199.html