Student Choice Initiative
Information on optional non-tuition fees
In January 2019, the Ontario government announced the “Student Choice initiative”, encouraging students to learn more about optional non-tuition fees and make informed choices about which fees they choose to pay. The following updates provide information on recent developments.
UPDATE - December 2019
Student Choice Ancillary and Levy Fee Opt-Out Suspended for Winter Term
Trent University’s ancillary and student fee opt-out process for the coming winter term will be suspended following a decision by Ontario’s Divisional Court. The decision overruled the Student Choice Initiative. For the winter term, this means that all ancillary and levy fees will be charged in the course of the regular billing process. Funding will flow through to levy groups. For students who receive OSAP, the updated costs associated with this change will be reported to OSAP and will be eligible for funding consideration.
The University notes that the Ontario Government has announced that it will appeal the recent court ruling. Trent will monitor the legal proceedings as they develop and ensure that its practices are in keeping with legal decisions and Ministry directions. Any changes to the billing process for student fees in semesters beyond the winter term will be communicated to students as quickly as is possible.
Trent remains committed to our vibrant campuses and student group experiences, which enhance student life and learning.
If students have questions about the change to winter term fees, please feel free to contact studentaffairs@trentu.ca
We want to hear from you
As the government’s Student Choice Initiative is new, we are interested in hearing about your thoughts about the opt-out process or Student Choice Initiative at Trent. If you have feedback, you can email studentaffairs@trentu.ca.