Learning Edge Program

The ITM "Learning Edge"


Did you know ITM Students are required to pay close to ,500 per year to LEASE a notebook computer?

Did you know that the students don't own the computer, but rather have to return it at the end of their studies?

Did you know this "Learning Edge" could be coming to other programs at Ryerson in the future years?

Check out the information below for details on:

* What is the "Learning Edge"?
* Why are students' upset with the program?
* Why YOU should be concerned!
* What YOU can do to help!
* Links to further information and resources


What is the "Learning Edge"


In September 2002, Ryerson University launched the "ITM LEARNING EDGE" program. Billed by the University as an effort "ensure that our students stay leaders in IT", Information Technology Management students are now required to 'lease' a notebook computer - at a cost of nearly ,500 per year.

The proposal for the Learning Edge was first brought forward to the Academic Standards committee of Academic Council by the School of Information Technology Management in October 2000. Because the proposal was based on the introduction of mandatory student fee of nearly 00/year for a leased laptop, not surprisingly, it caught the attention of students and student groups.

The RSU immediately began working on behalf of concerned students, opposing the program at both the Academic Council and Board of Governors levels. While the program inevitably was introduced, RSU was successful in lobbying for a number of changes to it, and in securing a number of commitments from the University and the School of Information Technology Management.


Why are students upset with the program?

First and foremost, students are concerned with being required to pay nearly ,500 PER YEAR for a notebook computer. Over a four-year program, that means students could pay close to ,000 for a computer that THEY WILL NEVER OWN - the notebooks must be returned to the University upon completion of studies. In some cases, students already have access to a personal computer - many even own their own laptops. Others are satisfied with being provided with free access to computer labs. But regardless of individual situations, THE LEARNING ADVANTAGE PROGRAM IS MANDATORY - THERE IS NO OPTING OUT!

Students are also upset with how the program has been implemented. The University and the School of Information Technology Management have NOT fully lived up to some of the commitments they made last year, in response to student concerns. Specific concerns include:

* Not being able to print from the notebook computers during the first month of class
* Not receiving lock-down cables for the notebooks on time
* The possibility that some students could cheat on tests using instant messaging software that the University installed on the notebook computers
* Being forced to pay for extra insurance because the notebook computers are considered "University assets"
* Being forced to pay hundreds of dollars for required accessories, such as a lap top carrying case.

Students are also concerned that professors continuing to present curriculum that does not accommodate or take advantage of the now mandatory laptop technology. In fact, some reports indicate that some professors are even going to far as to require students to put away their laptops before class!

Because the fee charged for the Learning Edge program is not considered a tuition fee, it is not eligible for consideration on an OSAP application. It it certainly highly unfair that students that are required to pay an additional ,500 per year, yet OSAP will not recognize this as an educational cost. This has put a number of students in some very tight financial positions.

Compounding the situation, the School of ITM has not made available as many bursary opportunities as they claimed they were going to during the approval process. This is of paramount concern, as this commitment was a major factor in changing the approach of RSU and ITM students, to try to find ways of making the program workable instead of continuing to out-right oppose it.

Furthermore, ITM Students remain concerned that THERE WAS NO STUDENT REFERENDUM TO APPROVE THE LEARNING EDGE PROGRAM. In this manner, students were never officially asked for their approval - even though University policy specifically states that any non-tuition ancillary fees MUST be approved by a referendum of the affected students. This in fact never happened. Even though they weren't asked, students regularly voiced their opposition throughout the approval process, and were constantly ignored.


Why YOU should be concerned!
If you're not an ITM student, the precedent set by this program is still important to you. Firstly, this new program sets a precedent - not only at Ryerson, but across the province, for what is considered a non-tuition compulsory ancillary fee. In short, tuition fees are capped, and can only increase so much in any one year. Ryerson University, through the Learning Edge program has in fact found a creative way to circumvent that tuition cap. They have found yet another way to increase tuition fees, above and beyond what is allowed of them.

You should also be concerned that the University has introduced a non-tuition compulsory ancillary fee WITHOUT soliciting student input through a student referendum. While their own policies state that this process is required, they conveniently chose to skip this part of the process.

Your program could be next. While the University has not revealed plans to expand the Learning Edge program, now that the precedent has been established, they could easily bring such mandatory requirements to any program. Could you afford an extra ,500 per year?

What YOU can do to help!

If you are an ITM student, you can help by letting the School of Information Technology Management, and the University, know that you have concerns with the Learning Edge program.

RSU has worked with concerned ITM students to draft a petition, which will eventually be presented to the School of ITM, and University administration. IF YOU ARE AN ITM STUDENT, CONCERNED WITH THE LEARNING EDGE PROGRAM, YOU SHOULD COME TO RSU (SCC311) TO SIGN THIS PETITION

If you are NOT an ITM student, you can send in a letter of support. Your support will help to display student solidarity to the University - to let them know that we all stand together behind ITM students. This support will also indicate to the University the level of opposition should they ever opt to expand the Learning Edge program to any other areas of study in the future.

If you have any questions, or would like to get further involved in this campaign, please contact  RSU's VP Education via email, vp.education@rsuonline.ca.

Links to further information and resources.

* The School of Information Technology's Information page on the ITM Learning Edge Program

* Statistics Canada's Observations on Participation in postsecondary education and family income