Korea Commission on Human Rights, Public Opinion Survey on 국민생각함 from 10th to 24th
[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) announced on the 10th that it will listen to public opinions on the issue of university tuition refunds and then push for institutional improvements. This is the second time, following real estate measures, that the commission is gathering public opinions to improve the system.
The ACRC stated that it will conduct a survey on the public opinion platform "Gukmin Saenggakham" for two weeks from today until the 24th to address the university tuition refund issue, which has become a social issue due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The commission explained that due to the spread of COVID-19, universities nationwide conducted classes in a face-to-face, non-face-to-face, or fully non-face-to-face manner during the first semester.
Students demanded partial refunds of tuition fees, citing reasons such as poor online education quality. Universities expressed reluctance due to financial difficulties. Ultimately, a tuition refund lawsuit was filed last month, led by the "National Student Network."
In response, the ACRC judged that it is necessary to actively respond by gathering public opinions and improving the system.
From January to the end of June, 1,380 complaints related to university tuition refunds were filed through the ACRC's online complaint system, "Gukmin Sinmungo." Among these, 1,282 cases, accounting for 92.9%, were demands for refunds of admission fees and tuition fees from new and current students.
By age group, those in their 20s accounted for the largest portion at 49.2%, followed by those in their 50s, presumed to be parents, at 19.7%.
The complaints mainly included ▲ non-use of school facilities and non-implementation of practical classes ▲ infringement of learning rights due to online lectures ▲ reduction in class days, and additional living expenses beyond tuition fees.
Since events for new students such as entrance ceremonies and orientations were not held, there were also many complaints demanding full refunds of admission fees.
The ACRC composed a total of seven survey items, including ▲ positions on tuition refunds ▲ the necessity of institutional improvements in the tuition decision and refund review process ▲ and the need for involvement by the Ministry of Education.
After analyzing the survey results, holding meetings with university student organizations, and conducting legal reviews, the commission plans to use the findings for institutional improvements or policy proposals.
Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee of the ACRC said, "Going forward, the ACRC will actively engage in resolving social issues that attract high public interest and involve intense conflicts," and added, "We ask each citizen to actively participate so that their opinions can lead to policy formulation and change."
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