TMU to raise tuition to offset cost of X verification

In a press conference on Monday, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) announced that it will raise tuition to cover the cost of X (formerly Twitter) verification.

In the announcement, Jonathan Farfalle, a spokesperson for TMU, spoke about the value of X verification.

“TMU is a world-class university, and verification is part of demonstrating our commitment to this reputation,” said Farfalle.

The fee increase will be different depending on where students are coming from. International students will see a bump of four cents per term, while out-of-province students will pay an extra one cent, and in-province students will pay an extra half cent.

Isabella MacMillan, a third-year business management student at TMU, criticized the move.

“Twitter verification is the most important thing a university can have. But for students, especially students who aren’t living at home, every cent counts,” said MacMillan

“I’m from Manitoba, I don’t want to be spending more than my classmates for [TMU] to be verified.”

Subscription to X verification is part of a push by TMU to increase its online presence. TMU has planned to open Amazon Prime, LinkedIn Premium, and Tinder Platinum accounts by 2026.

The increase is planned to go into effect in the Fall 2024 term.