Capilano University students in significant financial need eligible for low cost high-speed internet from TELUS
Alisha Samnani // Managing Editor, News Editor
Lou Papa // Illustrator
In late April, the Capilano Students’ Union (CSU) partnered with TELUS to provide eligible students with subsidized high-speed internet for only $9.95 per month.
“COVID-19 has really highlighted some financial accessibility needs amongst our students,” said Gurleen Kaur, CSU Vice President of Finance and Services. “With students being part of one of the more affected demographics of the workforce, coupled with an increased need of reliable internet to be able to participate at school, we were able to partner with TELUS to open up this program to our students during this pandemic.”
Since 2016, the Internet for Good program has been available to families receiving the maximum Child Care Benefit from the federal government. TELUS Internet for Good for Students expands the availability of the program, enabling school boards, schools and teachers to reach students in need.
“Some very dedicated faculty members from the Department of Early Childhood Education reached out to CSU executives and staff with the idea of partnering with TELUS to address students’ unmet connectivity needs,” said Kaur. “After consulting with those faculty members, and staff from Financial Aid & Awards, we determined that the CSU would be best positioned to roll it out to students to get the program into the hands of students as quickly as possible,” said Kaur, noting that the program would not be possible without certain faculty members going “above and beyond.”
Over the summer, the CSU has received positive feedback from students participating in the program. “We’ve been told that this has made a significant impact in not just these students’ ability to succeed academically, but to stay connected to friends, family, and support systems during a time of unprecedented social isolation.”
The CSU will be responsible for identifying qualifying students, and will provide those students with a unique TELUS Internet for Good promotion code, which they can use to call TELUS and register for the program.
“We have less than 70 referral keys left to issue at this stage in the program — however, as students access the program and demonstrate that there is an unmet need, we can have discussions with TELUS about expanding access,” said Kaur.
To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in any credit program at CapU, show proof of registration and demonstrate financial need. “We ask for things like what your income vs. expenses each month look like… if you were referred by financial aid, or if a student wishes, [they can] write us a blurb on why they are applying/background on their situation if they feel like they want us to consider that as well,” said Kaur.
The application process takes less than 10 minutes, and students will hear back about their eligibility in as little as one day. Selected students will remain on the program for 24 months, but are able to cancel early if needed.
For more information or to apply for the program, visit the CSU website.