So I just received an e-mail from UBC asking me to fill out a survey on tuition. There are three questions and they read as follows:

To what extent will the proposed 2% tuition increase ($88.59 on a base Arts/Science tuition) be an impediment to you continuing your studies at UBC?
Your tuition currently pays for 28%-30% of the operating costs of your UBC education. A government grant and investment income pays the balance. Choose one of the following to rate this 28%-30%:
What is the most important thing for UBC to invest …

If ‘bailout’ was the word of 2008 then word of 2009 is shaping up to be ‘mistake’. Or perhaps ‘regret’ depending on your political affiliation. As the world economy begins remains on shaky ground the billions of dollars thrown at GM and other auto companies to help stave off complete collapse is looking less and less like a good investment.