Alumni from Gonville and Caius College last week delivered a letter to “senior college officials”, protesting against the recent prices rises in rent and food that have been imposed on current students. The letter is signed by over 250 Caians.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the price of student accommodation at Caius would be increasing by 9.5 per cent, and food prices by 6 per cent. This was met with considerable consternation from the JCR and MCR, who felt that the student body had not been adequately consulted throughout the decision-making process.

Addressed to the Master and Fellows of the College, the letter states that the signatories “believe that an increase of this magnitude is unnecessary and potentially very harmful to the wellbeing of the student body. We stand firmly with the JCR, the MCR and those individual students who have registered their protests.”

Although most acknowledge that the economic downturn has caused financial difficulties beyond the college’s control, there has been criticism from some that financial mismanagement has caused the impact on students to be greater than it should be. The authors of the letter ask for “evidence that every viable alternative is being considered in dialogue with the students before the cost of these undoubtedly troubled times is passed on, something which we believe should only be the very last resort.”

The letter brands the College’s current behavior as “irresponsible”, and cites an instance where a student who was unable to pay their college bill on time due to the sudden and unexpected price rise was asked: “Can’t you borrow the money from your parents?”

The latest issue of Once a Caian, the annual college newsletter, is highlighted for its “conflicting messages,” portraying “a thriving college, in good financial shape from increased benefactions, and a contented student body.”

“The contrast with College’s own justification for the cost increases – a ‘difficult financial situation’ – and the reports from current students, could not be more pronounced.”

The alumni also point out their key role as current and future benefactors of Caius, and say that they “seek reassurance that the College is committed to using [their] donations as we would desire: to improve the lives of its students.”

The Master of Gonville and Caius, Sir Alan Fersht, responded to the letter on Friday. He said that he was “very pleased that the Caius alumni show such concern for the present generation of undergraduates. It demonstrates the right spirit of past generations to support the present and the future, and is part of our collegiate tradition.”

In his response, Sir Alan refers to meeting current freshers, claiming them to be “almost all overjoyed [with Caius]”, and that “their experience at Caius had surpassed their expectation in all areas.”

Addressing the specific concerns raised by the alumni, Sir Alan emphasised that Caius treats its students “with all respect” and “as equals”. He notes that currently, the College subsidises the accommodation and food of its students “by about 30%”.

He points out that Caius has “special provision for those who are from the poorer parts of society by having dedicated bursaries and access to funds from the tutors,” a fact that the authors of the alumni letter commended.

According to Sir Alan’s letter, Caius has a higher participation rate for donations from alumni than any other college in the University. “We would have no students at Caius but for past and current benefactors,” he concludes.

Current students have also voiced their anger over the price rises. Last Sunday, Gonville and Caius students staged a “formal picnic” on Gonville Court in a boycott of formal hall. Speaking to Varsity before the protest, organiser Tom Scrase said: “As a student representative you always feel held to ransom by fellows who will disregard your opinion for the rest of term if you [try to] rock the boat too much.”

“We wanted to make sure that the fellows are aware of the strength of opinion on this matter and that the student body could act in unison.”

Scrase and the other organiser, third-year engineer Bruno Sussat, met with Sir Alan on Monday morning to discuss the situation. Writing on Facebook, Scrase said: “I believe Bruno and I had a productive meeting with the Master this morning. Obviously the proof of that can only come with time but he did promise us that we will see change.”

In the meeting, the notion was raised that “the rent increase is a catalyst for raising problems that have been simmering under the surface for several years.

“The students do not feel they have adequate communication with the Fellowship, their wishes are not taken into account and, in general, that they are not respected. It is clear that we should widen the consultation with students in general.”

In a statement to Sir Alan, Scrase thanked him for their meeting. He said he “enjoyed [the] meeting yesterday and was particularly grateful of the extent to which you seemed committed to listening to us.”

“It feels like you have really taken on board what I feel were our key points and, along with your invitation to meet again within the next couple of weeks, I feel hopeful that together we can instigate changes that will be mutually beneficial to the fellows and students into the future.”

Sir Alan was similarly positive about his meeting with Scrase and Sussat. He said to Varsity: “We all agreed that there were excellent and warm relations between the Fellowship and the Students but there were certain barriers.”

“The meeting was very cordial and constructive, and I found the two students very helpful altogether.”

Sir Alan later went on to say that: “We will work together to resolve the problems very quickly and make sure Caius remains one of the friendliest and most supportive colleges in Cambridge.”