They will discuss a bill that prohibits denial of degrees due to tuition debts.

The Education Committee voted, in general and in particular, on the bill that prohibits making assessments and the awarding of degrees conditional on the payment of tuition debts.

Hans Richter, the alternate vice president of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities, considered the initiative commendable and desirable.

The initiative originated in the Chamber of Deputies following various judicial decisions that have affected university and technical students, which deny the delivery of degrees, diplomas or academic certifications by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) due to non-payment with said establishments.

The text, approved by 7 votes in favor, one against and 2 abstentions, rejects conditioning the taking of exams or other evaluations; or the granting of titles, diplomas and certifications, on monetary requirements for tuition debts.

The above applies even when they are established by the higher education institution in its regulations, and informed to the students at the time of signing the respective contract.

The Undersecretary of Higher Education, Víctor Orellana, emphasized that the bill was given urgent consideration because it ensures that “economic constraints do not become academic constraints.” He noted that currently, in many cases, “timely graduation” is difficult, with less than 40% of students completing their degrees.

Hans Richter, the alternate vice president of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), considered the initiative commendable and desirable in order to "avoid making intellectual achievements financially contingent." He acknowledged, however, that it comes at a cost to universities and could undermine the idea of encouraging tuition waivers.

Text: BioRed News

Photo: Aton Chile