STUDENTS of the University of the East-Caloocan asked school officials not to slap surcharges on late payment of tuition and other fees.

The school’s Central Student Council said the five percent tuition surcharge should be waived.

“Many students, upon checking their account with the university, have raised their concerns regarding the high surcharges that have taken effect,” CSC wrote in a letter to UE President Ester Garcia.

It said that the delay in the distribution of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education subsidy was the reason why some students were late in paying their tuition.

The group also appealed to the school to allow the students with outstanding balances to enroll next semester.

It said that “a number of students are still far from coping” with the impact of the pandemic and onslaught of recent typhoons.

“With the financial problems of many students, we only find it sensible for the university to see reason and reduce the great burden placed on its clients,” the CSC added.

“We ask the administration to take a more compassionate stance in taking action on the grievances of the student community. We hope that the affected individuals will be heard and given acknowledgment as to the issues raised,” it added.