Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer

The University of Technology will spend at least $62.7 million to assist students who were unable to meet the September 29 deadline for tuition payments, according to corporate communications manager, Hector Wheeler.

He revealed that information out of the Financial Aid office at the institution had confirmed that monetary support for students could be greater than the $62.7 million figure spent to facilitate student support programmes during the 2005-2006 academic year.

Mr. Wheeler expressed optimism that "currently, all our (funding) partners are on board." He added: "Organisations from which funds are solicited are advised to give at least one year's notice whenever they will not be able to help."

'Earn and Study' programme

In a recent letter to The Gleaner, Mr. Wheeler disclosed that the university's administration was expecting approximately 8,000 students to be enrolled for the 2006-2007 academic year. However, when contacted yesterday, the administration said, "close to 2,000 students had not met the deadline."

When questioned about the fate of these students, Mr. Wheeler said that UTech had in place an 'Earn and Study' programme that provides grants, scholarships and bursaries to needy students.

He said there has been signifi-cant improvement in the registra-tion process over the last two years because of the institution's aggres-sive approach towards assisting students.

During the 2005-2006 academic year, 1,200 students benefited from the 'Earn and Study' programme.