Financial department

Dear Rosebank College Financial Department. I hope this message finds you well. I am writing on behalf of a number of concerned students regarding a serious issue we have encountered with the handling of our book allowances through Wisebooks.

As you are aware, we were required to process our textbook purchases through Wisebooks via Rosebank College, despite many students expressing a preference to manage their book orders independently. Upon requesting refunds from Wisebooks, we were dismayed to discover that although funds were returned to Rosebank, a 20% deduction was made from our book allowance without any prior notice, explanation, or consent.

This decision has placed many of us in a deeply difficult financial position. These funds are not discretionary they are allocated specifically for educational resources critical to our academic success. The sudden and unexplained reduction of our allowance means some students are now unable to purchase the required materials for their courses, and others are left repaying loans they took in good faith, expecting full coverage from their book allowance.

We find this situation to be both unfair and disheartening. As students striving to build a future through education, we should be supported not penalized by the very systems designed to help us. The lack of transparency around this deduction has led to confusion, stress, and frustration among the student body.

We respectfully request the following: 1. A formal explanation detailing the reason for the 20% deduction. 2. An urgent reconsideration of this deduction, with the aim of reinstating the deducted amount to affected students. 3. A commitment that any future changes to student financial allocations or policies will be clearly communicated in advance, with student consultation where possible.

In addition, some of us have reviewed the amounts disbursed by GCRA and found discrepancies that further raise concerns. After tuition fees, accommodation, and food allowances were deducted, records show that GCRA also allocated an additional R8,000 specifically for the book allowance. However, we were informed that we would only receive the value of the books we ordered through Wisebooks, rather than the full allowance provided. This lack of clarity and consistency in how funds are handled has created further mistrust and confusion among students.

We trust that Rosebank College values the well-being and academic success of its students and will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. We appreciate your attention and look forward to a fair and timely resolution.