In Memorandum No. 2017-001 released last January 4, University President Joel Tabora announced that the Multi-Sectoral Committee will hold a series of consultation this January 21 regarding the proposed tuition and fee increase for Academic Year 2017-2018.

According to the memorandum, Academic Vice-President Gina Montalan will serve as chair. Aside from her, the committee is composed of the Office of the Student Affairs Director Theresa Eliab, University Treasurer Jimmy Delgado, the school deans, two representatives from the College of Law Student Council, one officer from the College Faculty Union and the Non-Teaching Staff union, an Ateneo Alumni officer, and five representatives from the SAMAHAN Central Board.

SAMAHAN President John Chin confirmed that he was invited to the consultation. According to him, he planned to suggest that the “final or official consultation” should be open to all students.

Last year, the 5.6% Tuition Fee Increase was welcomed negatively by some students and political parties, asserting that there should have been a “genuine consultation” among the students before the implementation of the said release.

According to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 3, series of 2012, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must conduct consultations with their student councils or governments or, in their absence, not more than ten representatives from student organizations.

The consultation will happen 9 AM at the Pakighinabi Room, 3rd Floor of Community Center of First Companions.