The BC Federation of Students has given its feedback to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, currently considering 7 recommendations aimed at making higher education more affordable.
Federation Chair, Aran Armutlu, says one of the most vital is finding ways to bring down text book costs, which deters 26% of BC students from even taking certain courses.
He calls a recommendation to allocate $5-million to create and expand Open Education Resources, making digital formats available for free or at low cost, especially important:
" You know if you're taking 4 classes and let's say that your textbook costs you 100 bucks, 200 bucks for each of those classes, you could be spending $1,000 dollars every semester just on text books."
A survey has shown 26% of students decide not to sign up for those course with the most expensive text books, and Armutlu says of those who do register about 50% try to get by without a textbook -- which impacts their academic success.
Some of the other recommendations being considered include eliminating interest on provincial student loans, strengthening the Tuition Fee Limit Policy, providing supports for Indigenous students, and fairness for international students.
The BCFS is hoping to see recommendations made by the Committee included in BC Budget 2019.