A Have an idea for a story? Minews@theotherpress.ca ¢ Despite campus amenities being closed, students are paying for them ¢ Nightclubs and banquet ordered to shut down, again ..and more Tuition rates not reflecting COVID-19 world » Despite campus amenities being closed, students are paying for them istration ang Services t7= ~~ = Union F DC Students’ Union surgeon Fees DC Students’ U Registration and Serv Tiitinn Fees s BC Charge ion Fees ass BC Charge Tuition Fees Description U-Pas "~~ Other Student Activity Fees DSU Fees - BCFS DC Students’ Union Fees Registration and Services Fee Tuition Fees U-Pass BC Charge Account Balance: eats Stuusiit ACUVILy Gm 2ece: Description ees - BCFS 4dents' Union Fe¢ ration Descriffti 1 Fees Othemp 3s BC (psu ADC St scripi Regist ler St Tuition F J Fee U pass B Other Student Activit noes Fees ~ BCFS students’ Union F stration and Sen on Fees ee BA Cie 2eS 410 F€ DC Students! 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The college highlights that both the library and fitness center are open for pickup and by appointment, respectively, on its page of COVID-19 information and resources. However, the same page also said, “In support of physical distancing, we encourage you to attend the campus only when necessary.” Fees included in Douglas College’s tuition this year are: Students’ Union fees, other student activity fees, registration and service fee, and a U-Pass—if the student has classes on campus. There are additional fees placed on students depending on the program. For example, according to the “Student activity, lab, Co-op and other fees,” document found on the Douglas College website, an additional $107.80 is the “lab fee for all 3 credit mathematics courses you are enrolled in to cover operational costs of these labs.” The same document also notes that lab schedules are available. For students, the prospect of paying full tuition for services they won't be using is daunting, especially because many students have been unable to work and save for the semester. The issue isn’t restricted to Douglas College either. Aliya Boulanger is a third-year kinesthesiology student at SFU who has been attempting to reach out to staff and students at the school with little luck. “For me, it’s just straight up a moral issue, everything is moving to online,” said Boulanger. “That shift from in-person to online was handled from the professors’ point of view, but the students haven't gotten anything.” Boulanger has been writing letters to SFU faculty but has yet to receive a response. At the same time, Boulanger has been attempting to appeal to students at SFU but hasn’t gotten much more than vocal support. Boulanger said, “People are emotionally and intellectually and physically exhausted, they are going to be like ‘whatever, I'll just pay-” Meanwhile, students who are entering post-secondary education for the first time are also struggling. Kelsey Moran, a first-year psychology student at Langara College, is walking in blind to the college experience. While this semester was supposed to be an opportunity to meet people and build her career, so far, it’s been a frustrating experience. Moran suffers from dyslexia and ADHD. “T have a hard time sitting still, and I have a hard time reading for long periods. If they’re boring and if it’s not an interactive kind of experience, Ill have a harder time,” said Moran. Moran had debt before the pandemic started, which was only made worse in the ensuing months. She had applied for a student line of credit but had been rejected because she didn’t work enough hours; Moran works in childcare. “Tm frustrated by it, I guess everybody’s mad about the pandemic,” said Moran. “But that’s just one thing that definitely was a huge letdown. I’m paying $7,000 to essentially have an education that I was able to have in high school for free.” DSU hosting first virtual clubs days » Everything you wondered about the upcoming online clubs days—answered Jessica Berget Assistant Editor I that time of the end of summer when the Douglas Students’ Union (DSU) hosts the semesterly clubs days fair. Only this year—with coronavirus effectively cancelling all in-person classes at the college—this year’s event will be held exclusively online. For the first time, on September 16 and 17 from 5 to 7 pm, clubs from the college will be showcasing via the internet their hobbies, interests, events, and club initiatives to get students interested or signed up. The event will take place over social media and Zoom, rather than the usual New West concourse or Coquitlam atrium. To get an idea of how the fair this year will operate, the Other Press asked the DSU for some insight on what students can expect. Clubs days are an essential part of college, and now students can experience it without having to leave their homes. cc The event will take place initially on social media platforms and then in a Zoom meeting, where people can connect with the clubs they're interested in or get in contact through the club’s email or social media after the event. “Over the two days, we will be posting videos and photos sent from the clubs on our Instagram and Facebook stories. In the evening, we will host the club fair over Zoom. Clubs that sign up for the fair will have a 10-minute slot to talk about their club to students who log in at that time,” said DSU organizer Delaney Sullivan in an email to the Other Press. Online can’t replace real-life interaction, but there are some things to look forward to with a virtual clubs fair. For instance, no more walking around the campus looking at clubs that don’t interest you. Now with online, students can log in just at the times the clubs that interest them will be presenting. Alternatively, it’s never been easier to see all the club's presentations. DOUGIAS STUDENTS’ UNION VIRTUAL WEDNESDAY SEPT. 16TH & THURSDAY SEPT. 17TH 5:00-7:00 PM ON ZOOM Although this year there will be no need to set up booths or equipment, organizing an event like this is can still be taxing. Making sure students know about it and are able to attend the event is a big challenge. More importantly is ensuring UNION BCFS LOC.6} Image via Douglas Students' Union on Facebook the clubs are able to get the time and exposure they would normally get for this event. “We hope that all clubs will still be able to get that connection to students and successfully promote and recruit for their clubs as they usually do,” said Sullivan. Clubs days are an essential part of college, and now students can experience it without having to leave their homes.