March 28, 2024

OPINION: OSAP changes have students worried

The Ford government’s drastic changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program will have the effect of dashing the dreams of an entire socio-economic segment of Ontario’s youth, writes Elnaz Akbari.

CSI may join CASA

BY LUCAS HUTTERI The future may get brighter for students at Conestoga College. Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) has been flirting with the idea of joining the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), an advocacy organization that has 22 members and represents 255,000 post-secondary students. The implications of this could impact a lot of areas. At CSI’s Sept. 20 Board of Directors meeting, Brittany Grieg and Scot Wyles gave a presentation … Continued

Region lacks affordable housing

BY ROLAND FLEMING Natasha Carter, who has been smoking marijuana since she was 12 and cigarettes since she was 14, can finally say she is done with them. The former Kitchener resident is now 25, which means that these substances were a part of her life for more than a decade. While fierce willpower and determination have played a part in her continuing abstinence from these substances, having her own … Continued

High food prices hit the wallet

BY MATT LINSEMAN Food prices and students don’t make a good mix. Many students already require financial assistance and, with rising food prices, this only makes it harder to put quality food on the table. I think with the recent increases in the price of food the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) should give students more money to cover these rising costs. I know that maintaining a student budget is … Continued

OSAP repayment causes stress

BY TAYLOR SCHWEITZER Homework, studying, stress and spending are some of the concerns that students have throughout the school year. To help relieve some of the stress and concerns about money, a lot of students choose to apply for an Ontario Student Assistance Program loan to help them pay for school. The program run by the Ontario government lends money to students who are in financial need throughout their years … Continued

Finances weigh on students

By RACHEL ROY Whether you attend a college or university, students all across the country are dealing with financial problems. Money woes can have you second-guessing whether you should swipe for a Tim Hortons coffee, pay that overdue bill, spend that extra couple of dollars on groceries or make sure you make rent. Financial woes also contribute to student worry about how they perform in the classroom because working all … Continued

Student-parents face challenges

By Nicole Nemeth Being a student is difficult enough without the added responsibilities of being a parent. Fortunately for Conestoga College students there are a ton of services to help them achieve success. Different services include counselling, health services, financial aid and daycare, all of which are on Conestoga’s main campus in Kitchener. Krystle McGuire knows all too well how difficult it can be raising a family and attending college. … Continued

Pan Am offer criticized

BY TYLER BATTEN Major controversy surrounding Pan Am Games executive expenses were nearly overshadowed by last week’s announcement that the Ontario government would be offering a loan break to students who volunteer at the games. Qualifying OSAP borrowers will be offered a chance to apply for an extra six-month, interest-free period following Pan Am volunteer work and the completion of their program of study. The loan break will apply to … Continued