The Canadian Federation of Students is accusing Memorial University of “absolute betrayal” after learning that MUN tuition is going up by 4 per cent.

The university shared an update about its budgetary process via the MUN Gazette on Tuesday.

While the 4 per cent tuition increase is not specifically referenced, the university does say it is directing the $13.68-million one-time pause in the tuition reduction grant to “drive Memorial University’s transformation to a more learner-centric, sustainable and efficient institution.”

The money will go towards several other initiatives including contract teaching, recruitment, retention and student engagement.

The Canadian Federation of Students says its members were “shocked” to receive a letter from MUN advising them of the increase, despite the province making the decision to pause cuts to the grant.

The federation calls an assertion from MUN that it “didn’t receive direction” on how to use the grant “ridiculous and insulting” to students’ intelligence, noting that the purpose of the money is “literally in the name (of the grant.)”