Art College Students Demand Tuition Refund: "Online Classes Without Practical Training, Do It Ourselves..."

The "Art University Students Network," composed of students from 34 art universities nationwide, held a press conference in front of the Government Seoul Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, demanding tuition refunds. [Source - Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Amid the ongoing impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), universities have been conducting remote classes, and art students majoring in fine arts and design have begun demanding tuition refunds.

On the 6th, the "Art University Students Network," composed of students from 34 art universities nationwide, held a press conference in front of the Seoul Government Complex in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, urging, "The Ministry of Education and universities should refund tuition fees in accordance with the COVID-19 situation."

They pointed out, "Although a disaster situation has been declared in universities due to the spread of COVID-19 for quite some time, neither the Ministry of Education nor university officials have presented clear measures beyond 'remote classes.'"

They continued, "Every semester, we have paid nearly 1 million won in additional tuition fees citing the special nature of art education, but with remote classes, the quality of education has declined, and despite the lack of alternative measures, the 'differential tuition fees' remain unchanged."

They also explained that while classes are conducted remotely, practical assignments are carried out in the same manner as before, leading to increased expenses as students rent studios and practice rooms among themselves, and that it is a reality that proper safety equipment is not adequately provided.

They demanded, "Alternatives must be prepared for practical art classes that cannot be conducted remotely," and asserted, "If classes are switched to face-to-face, quarantine measures and a responsibility system must be established to protect the safety of all school members."

Criticizing the current tuition system that sets different tuition fees by department and major, they called for the formation of a tripartite governance involving students, universities, and the Ministry of Education to resolve the issues.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.