A small but vocal crowd rallied at Memorial University this morning about the cost of education and university infrastructure.

The rain and wind did not deter many students and supporters from turning out at the steps of the University Centre for the rally.

The statement from those in attendance was clear as they marched away towards the parkway: That tuition is “too damn high.”

They want the tuition freeze, which was done away with in 2022, to be reinstated, and for the differential fee structure—which results in international students paying triple what domestic students do, to be eliminated.

They also want more funding to address what they call MUN’s “crumbling infrastructure.” On that point, during speeches at the rally one organizer made reference to the “MUNNEL juice” affecting the university’s underground tunnel system.

The group is also calling for paid work placements in the fields of social work, nursing, pharmacy, and education.

The on-campus rally was the first of a two-part event. From the UC students and their supporters marched up Prince Phillip Drive, taking their demands directly to the steps of Confederation Building.

In response to the rally, the Department of Education highlights various financial measures for the university in this year’s budget, including $298-million for the operating grant, $70-million for Faculty of Nursing satellite sites, and $6.5-million to offset the campus renewal fee for students.

In total, government says 71 per cent of MUN’s total operating revenue comes from the province, which is among the highest in the country.