Today I went on a trip with a few SFA students as they participated in Discover Nac.
fluegeldd@gmail.com
Category Archives: money
Pine Log is hiring for spring
The Pine Log is a SFA student-run newspaper that runs twice a week for the SFA community’s observation and they are hiring for the spring semester.
This newspaper consists of several positions all held by students that work in and out of the office to create a paper that grabs attention campus wide.
“We aim to keep students informed about world issues, campus events, and to also allow students make their voices heard. We want to give students ‘real world’ experiences where they will leave college with knowledge of what it is like to work for a newspaper,” said Hannah Cole, Editor.
Staff:
- Managing Editor
- Editor
- Opinions Editor
- Entertainment Editor
- Sports Editor
- Copy Editor
- Photo Editor
- Staff Writers
- Photographers
- Cartoonist
- Advertising Reps
Each editor are in charge of laying out their specific page. For example, the Entertainment Editor is expected to pull stories and photos over events that are seen as entertainment, and lay them out in a style that will grab the attention of readers.
The same goes for other page editors. Everything included on their page is in relation to the specific focus of the page. This includes opinions editor, sports editor, and editor who often puts together page one.
Working for the Pine Log:
Working for the Pine Log gives students the opportunity to venture out and gain experience with what they are interested in. For example; interviewing, writing, editing, taking photos, page layout, are all different skill sets that students can learn depending on the job they apply for and get offered.
“As sports editor, facilitating writers so that the various sports at SFA are covered is always an exciting challenge. Many times, I will cover the games myself, but because we have so many successful sports on campus, it allows a tremendous opportunity for writers to be featured in the Pine Log,” Jordan Boyd, junior, said.
College is a place where professors prepare students for jobs post graduation. The Pine Log presents opportunity for students who are in the Mass Communication field particularly, with opportunity to build their resume.
“I love working for the Pine Log. It’s something extra I have done for three years. I’ve always loved writing and reading. I am glad to have some background working at a publication. I think any number of diverse jobs i can have, will make me a more rounded person. The skills I’ve learned at the Pine Log can transfer to a lot of careers,” said Jessica Gilligan, Managing Editor.
Students who work for the paper will have hard copies of what they write, layout, and/or take photos of. This will allow them to build their portfolio on top of building their resume.
“Working for the Pine Log is definitely a learning experience. You learn a lot about working with a deadline and I get to work with a fun group of people. I also enjoy getting to learn a lot more about the newspaper world,” Copy Editor Jessica Layfield said.
Test it Out:
For students who are unsure of how they will like working for the paper, they can write for the Pine Log as contributing writers. Meaning, they will not get paid, but they will have their writing published.
How to Apply:
The Pine Log application consists of basic background information such as name, birthday, address, etc. It also asks for a job background, resume, and the option of adding a cover letter.
When filling out the application students should take into account what they have done previously that could benefit the position they are looking to fill. They should also list any classes they have taken that could help. For example, copy editing, layout and design photojournalism, news writing, etc.
Many of the positions are paid and and little experience is required.
Return applications to Student Publications, Room 2.308 BPSC or apply online.
To apply go to the link provided below:
http://www.thepinelog.com/work-for-us
The deadline for editor applications is Monday, November 24, and the deadline for all other positions is Monday, December 3.
gab.rambo@gmail.com
The Beginning of Something New
Communication students have some tough choices ahead of them after school with the daunting task of landing a steady job.
Students will always worry about their post graduation life, it is only in human nature to do so. Students find themselves asking whom they will work for, what their duties will be, and where they will work. Many students prefer the option of working in their hometown.
Bryant J. Greer is part of the December 2009 graduating class and is an SFA alumni. He majored in communications with a concentration in broadcast production, as well as a minor in photojournalism. He said although he did not do an internship he would frequently assist Greg Patterson Photography with photo shoots in Nacogdoches, Tx.
Graduates always wonder about how long it will take them to find a job once they graduate, or if they even will. “It took me a couple of months, that’s just any job. Now for me to find a career job that I am happy to have and do, took me three years since graduating,” said Bryant. After those three years and many job applications Bryant finally landed an interview at the Dallas Observer.
A first impression is always important, so dressing in a presentable fashion and being well mannered and calm always go a long way, especially when being interviewed for a job in the media. Keep in mind that although a job may require previous experience, you have nothing to loose if you choose to apply and send in your application. Bryant was a student who was told that previous experience is needed to land a job. But when interviewed by the Dallas Observer Promotions Coordinator, she told him she saw real potential in him from the previous work he had done at SFA, and he got the job.
Some skills that companies do prefer their workers and applicants to have are things such as knowing how to work Microsoft Office, and for them to know their way around a Mac and PC.
For someone beginning to work in the media industry, Bryant mentioned it is better to intern while in school as everyone is looking for that hands on experience. He knows this first hand from previous interviews where candidates with previous experience of at least one year were preferred. Also always keep in mind networking is not about what you know, but who you know, so make yourself aware of your surroundings. His advice for how to act at an interview is always go as yourself, if you are looking to work and they are looking to hire, they will either like you or not.
Questions always arise as to where can one find the job listings for this profession, and how or where to apply. For Bryant, he found this job listing on the Dallas Observer online site at www.dallasobserver.com and applied online as well. He landed a job in promotions.
Bryant’s daily routine consists of going to the office and picking up any items or prizes to give at any event, bar or social event hosted by the Dallas Observer. He also drives around the Dallas area in the company vehicle promoting the newspaper. “ It is a fast paced job, your always on the go, but it is something that I like,” said Bryant. “I personally do not want to be stuck behind a desk, to short of an attention span,” he said.
Students also tend to worry if they will receive any kind of training when landing the job or if they will just be thrown out there and expected to already know how the business works. That is not the case for The Observer, who provides training for all the newcomers. The Dallas Observer does offer a couple of internship opportunities according to Bryant. You can apply for them at the Dallas Observer website.
Bryant has worked for the company for four months now. He works an average of 30 plus hours a week. He says he would not have it any other way, because although it might be a fast paced job, he has met high profiled people of public interest. Some examples are reality TV stars from the show Big Rich Texas, but his most important was Linkin Park, a well known rock band. Hard work does pay off, the work you put in will give you the results you deserve. It is an interesting and exciting job that will make you more aware of your surroundings and expand your mind.
Working Students
In order to attend and afford college, many students must first find a job.
Some students are lucky to be awarded financial aid. Students are awarded grants, or are then permitted into programs such as work study, where a students is given a job on campus. For those students not lucky enough to be in work study, they might be awarded loans or nothing at all.
Many of the students awarded loans hesitate to accept them. They hesitate because they do not want to be in debt once they graduate because of the interest rates.Many choose the installment plan instead, in which case students make three payments to pay off their classes. “The first payment is the biggest, then the second and the last is the cheapest,” said Jorge Martinez, criminal justice major. However, many students are not awarded financial aid and decide to pay out of pocket. In these cases this is also a common method of payment for them. “But their is a fee that goes along with the installment plan,” said Jorge.
Nacogdoches is a small town with thousands of SFA students and local residents. The students must not only compete amongst themselves for a job position, but with the local residents as well. In many cases students choose to commute to neighboring towns in order to better their chances at getting hired. Lufkin, one of the most common, is a little over 25 miles away from Nacogdoches. For many, the 25 miles ends up stretching not only gas, but the money they are traveling to make also. So they begin to question many things as they continue to work.
Other students go back home on the weekends to work and make the money they need in order to make their deadlines, or because they could not find a job in Nacogdoches. I spoke with a couple of students and they mentioned that they knew students who went home at least once a month, in order safe guard their current job back home.They said with a V8 engine, the money spent on gas to get there combined with the gas to get back to SFA was more than the earnings their friends would make on the weekends.
A student will always ask whether the money they made is worth the stress it inflected on their grades. In the interview with Miky Josselin Huizar, psychology student, and waitress at Cheddars in Lufkin, Texas, she talked about what she thought of that question in her particular situation. She also said that as a waitress she made only $2.13 an hour and that most of her money made depended on tips. On a good shift she makes an average of about $80 and on a bad shift an average of $25-$30.
But many students do not have the choice of working or not. In order to receive any sort of grade, they risk hindering their grades by working, to be able to attend college.
In the interview Miky said honestly that “yes the holidays may suck, some holidays I don’t get to spend them with my family back in my hometown, because of work, but they understand that I am learning responsibility for myself.”
She also talked about some of the hardships that student workers think might become challenging for them as they continue with both a job and school, and how she handled them up to this point.
Miky said although both working and attending school at the same time might not be for everybody, she thinks they should try it out; because if anything, it taught her responsibility, organization, as well as time management.
Halloween Costumes
Halloween is slowly coming and that means vampires, clowns, wolverines, Ohh my!
There are many variations of costumes for kids so I went to party N’ things to find out what is the hottest costume for kids and adults this year. For the little girls it was Honey Boo-Boo from the show: Here comes Honey Boo-Boo.
“Honey Boo-Boo has been the number one costume for us this month and it seems like every little girl wants to be her,” said Marty Littleton, owner of Party N’ Things.
For the boys it was Batman or characters from the hit movie the Avengers.
For college guys it was Duck Dynasty with the long beards.
“Guys are not as difficult to find something for they usually keep it simple and pretty much know what they want before they come in,” says Littleton. For women it was mainly about creating your own costume but adding accessories.
It has been a mix of everything this year and people are not coming to buy that high price costume or “that it” costume for Halloween says Littleton. With tuition rising every year and the economy going down the anticipation for a high priced costume or finding “that one” costume has went down dramatically.
“We have to adjust to that. I know for this year we didn’t put in a big order of costumes we sell year-round but this year we didn’t order a big stock for the simple reason of we know people aren’t going to spend high price money on costumes as easily as they used to,” said Littleton. Every year there is a different trend but this year students are not setting their expectations high for an expensive costume. It’s getting to the point where customizing has become more popular than buying a costume. It makes sense for students to find their own way to still enjoy their Halloween even on a budget. It’s more about customizing your own and getting accessories to add to it.
“I’m all for customizing, I tell women to bring a dress or a something they wear regularly and I help them create something. I love that challenge and I feel I can create anything,” says Littleton
Party N’ Things is a store for all occasions. They offer costumes all year around. They have loads of accessories from wigs, jewelry, stockings and more.
“We do parties, weddings and of course Halloween so we are always busy year around. I believe our accessories for Halloween is what differentiates us from other stores. I believe the accessories makes the costume most of the time,” says Littleton.
Some people aren’t even buying costumes this year and aren’t really in the spirit for buying or making a costume.
“I am just relaxing for Halloween this year of course I will get the candy for the kids, but overall I am not a big fan this year of buying a costume” said Kayla Borens.
I really don’t have the time and money this year to spend on a costume and Halloween falls on such a awkward day this year so I feel I shouldn’t spend money on a costume this year.” said Mike Lee
“We haven’t got as many college kids as we used to over the years we still get mostly fraternities and sororities but for the average college kid it has not been the same as it was last year,” said Littleton.
So what is your costume this year? It seems like most people are customizing there own and creating from scratch or their just not getting one at all. Weather it’s the rise in tuition or the economy going down there is a different trend when it comes to Halloween this year.
Governor Rick Perry Proposes New Degree and Tuition Plan
Governor Rick Perry is traveling around Texas advocating his proposals of a $10,000 degree plan and a tuition freeze. These proposals are a small part in the attempt to keep college affordable.
Governor Rick Perry is currently traveling around Texas encouraging public universities to adopt a $10,000 degree plan and freeze tuition to help keep college affordable for students.
The plan for the degree is to have tuition cost $2500 a year, an enticing price for any parent or student. It is a motivation for schools and students to graduate in four years and be ready for the workforce. The plan for the tuition freeze is to stop surprise charges that sneak up on students after their freshman year. Many times students will find tuition and bills costing more each year.
Cheaper Degree Plan:
A cheaper degree plan is a small step in Perry’s interest to battle the rise of tuition and decline of financial aid support. The always increasing rate of tuition has affected the entire nation. The national average of tuition for public universities last year was $8,244. That is $32,976 of tuition over a four year period. The average tuition for a Texas resident attending a public college is $7,411 per year. This accumulates to $29,644 over a four year period for students that are residents of Texas. The average tuition for Texas might be slightly lower than the national average, but both are on the rise. Since 1990, undergraduate costs at public universities have shot up 139 percent nationally. Since the deregulation of tuition in Texas in 2003, rates have gone up 55 percent. College is becoming less affordable every year, and debt is getting higher for students every year. This degree is Perry’s solution to counteract that.
Not only is this an affordable degree plan for many students, it is also an incentive for college students to graduate in four years. Many students find themselves having to work and go to school to lessen their debt. This sometimes means having to go an extra year or two more than planned. Perry hopes that a more affordable degree will allow students to concentrate on school and graduate in no more than four years.
“A $10,000 degree provides an opportunity for students to earn a low-cost, high-quality degree that will get them where they want to go in their careers and their lives,” according to Perry.
So far, ten Texas universities have decided to implement the ten thousand dollar degree plan.
Universities That Have Started a $10,000 Degree:
Texas A&M University – Commerce, Angelo State, University of Texas at Arlington, and University of Texas of the Permian Basin are four of the ten universities following Perry’s guidance.
Angelo State’s degree will actually cost less than $10,000. Starting next year, Angelo State will offer a $9,974 degree for oncoming students. This newly formed degree will be offered to students who have had work experience, and are determined to graduate in no more than four years, according to ASU President Joseph Rallo. Being selected for the program and pursuing this degree will be no small feat for students in the upcoming years at Angelo State. First, the school is going to want high standardized test scores from students applying. Once a student is accepted, they will have to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5.
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is the first university to take the $10,000 degree plan of Perry and not include outside credits. Many of the other universities that have implemented this degree are including students getting college credit in high school and in community college. Including credits from previous schools allows universities to not charge for courses that a student gets credit from elsewhere. “Some question the school’s approach, saying it provides what is effectively a scholarship,” according to Reeve Hamilton of the Texas Tribune on the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.
The University of Texas at Arlington is one of the previously mentioned colleges that trackcollege credit from high school and community college. UTA also is officially including a $10,000 scholarship in the program.
Texas A&M University – Commerce will offer a $10,000 degree that will award credits to students as soon as they pass a competency exam.
Tuition Freeze:
Perry believes implementing a tuition freeze could be beneficial for schools and students. Perry wants to stop the rise of tuition that haunts students after their first year. The tuition freeze covers four years so it is a motivation for students to graduate in four years. A tuition freeze would eliminate unwarranted charges to a student’s bill and help limit a student’s debt. This plan would provide the security of knowing exactly how much it would cost to attend a college over a four year period. The downfall is if it takes more than four years. “Perry’s graduation rate-based budget would force the universities to be accountable for how quickly their students graduate, the same way public elementary and secondary schools have been held accountable for standardized test scores,” says Ryan Coulehan of Hilltop Views.
Possible Negatives:
The risk Perry is taking with the promotion of these proposals is critics’ possible accusation of tracking. Tracking is the placement of students into specific categories of study according to their income level and educational background. But if you look at statistics, tracking is nothing new.
America’s selective four-year colleges educate half the students, who are increasingly affluent and white; two-year colleges and the least-selective four-year schools educate the less fortunate, other half — who are increasingly working class, Hispanic and African American according to The New York Times.
Elite four-year colleges enroll only four percent of students from low-income families, six percent of Hispanics, and five percent of African Americans, as well.
The biggest question mark in acquiring this type of degree is what potential employers in the future will think of it. There is the possibility that employers will discredit a cheaper degree, or hire something with a more accepted type of degree.
Sources:
Nacogdoches Trade Days Event
On an early Friday morning, while most prepare to put an end to a busy week, a few hundred vendors brace themselves for a busy weekend setting up their booths for the Nacogdoches Trade Days event. Nacogdoches Trade Days is a flea market where on every third weekend of each month members of the community, out-of-towners and yes – even SFA students are able to sell trinkets, knickknacks, clothing and other items for profit. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. vendors are set up awaiting customers at their booths.
Although Nacogdoches Trade Days has been operating for over 22 years, owners Arnold Montes Jr. and Frank Rodriguez Jr., first cousins, have “successfully” ran their business for over eight years.
“[It] had already been started,” Montes said, “we just took it over.” Montes explained that when the two bought the land there was only a small acre of Trade Day’s property on both sides of the street as well as an empty car lot. That empty car lot has now become Piney Woods Motor Company, another business owned by the duo. A single lot is 12 feet by 25 feet deep and cost only $35 for rental. ”We typically have about 100 to 125 vendors for the event,” Montes said. With the exception of dogs, cats and alcohol, vendors are allowed to sell anything from clothing, jarred foods, furs and furniture. ”There are always lots of garage sale type items here,” he said.
There is no age limit for vendors nor is there a limit to how many items a vendor may sell, only a sales tax number is required. Montes explained that vendors can get a sales tax id from www.sba.gov and the id will permit vendors to sell their items legally.
”We police things here so that everything goes smoothly.” Montes said. Friday is usually the ”set-up day” for most vendors.
John Smith of Waco walked the lot inspecting the property to “see what he was in for.” Though he was a first time vendor for the Trade Days event, Smith said he was a “veteran in the flea market business.” He had been selling in the flea markets since 1983 and always makes successful sales. Smith had also heard that Trade Days was “one of the best” flea markets around and was assured that he would turn a large profit.
“I bring my own equipment,” Smith said. “There are over $2,500 worth of items I’m bringing here.” Smith’s equipment consists of an assortment of home repair tools and vehicle parts. He exclaimed that his booth is always the first to be set up at other flea markets. “I have a good system in how I do things,” Smith said, “I cannot tell you what it is though, it is a secret,” he said jokingly.
Montes explained that they are a very family-oriented business, “This is a place where many families come out, have a good time, and hopefully pick up a few things that they like.” Montes proclaimed that the crowds vary each day but Saturday is the day you really want to come.“That is the day where you will see the largest crowd,” he said.
This is the one and only location and here you will find one of a kind things. Montes will be sure to tell you that they are “not like any other.”
Nacogdoches Trade Days is located on 1304 N.W. Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, TX 75965. To inquire about becoming a vendor, contact Arnold Montes at 936-675-4099.
shelbeblacklock@yahoo.com
The Importance of Student Fees: Things You’re Paying For That You Might Not Have Realized
The Ralph W. Steen Library is one of the numerous services that students pay for in their tuition statement at the start of each semester. The library staff at SFA can assist students in a variety of ways.
Fees are added to a student’s tuition statement each semester to fund various facets at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Learning the details about all these extra charges can be a daunting task, but also beneficial. It gives students a chance to take advantage of all the different attributes that the mandatory fees cover, and elude other miscellaneous charges.
The cost of tuition and fees have been steadily rising over the past decade, making it ever more important for students to utilize the services they are paying for at the start of each semester. Fees fall into two main categories: Mandatory and Miscellaneous fees. A majority of the miscellaneous fees are late fees, or other avoidable charges.
Mandatory Fees:
Recreational Sports Fee: To construct, operate, maintain recreational sports facilities and programs.
Publication Fee: For printing and distributing general University publications.
Technology Fee: For technology throughout the University.
Student Center Fee: To operate, maintain, improve, equip, and finance the University Center.
Student Services Fee: For student programs and activities.
International Education Fee: To assist students participating in international student exchange or study programs.
Academic Advising Fee: For academic advising services.
Library Fee: For services provided by the library
Registration and Record Fee: To cover the administrative cost of registration, including add/drops within the registration periods and providing transcripts to students currently enrolled.
The fees listed above are paid by every SFA student, and they help provide various services. The best way for students to benefit from these amenities is to take full advantage of them. Students should not think they are over using any of these privileges.
Fees That Can Be Avoided: Miscellaneous Fees
Convenience Fee: Charged for credit card payments on student accounts.
Late Add Fee: Assessed if a student adds a course after the 12th class day of fall or spring, or after the fourth class day of summer
Late Installment Fee: Assessed each time a student fails to make the full installment payment plan by the due date.
Late Registration Fee: Assessed if a student registers between the first and 12th class days for fall and spring, and the first to fourth class days of summer.
Reinstatement Fee: Assessed to a student who re-registers for a course after the 13th class day of fall or spring, and fifth class day of summer.
Returned Check Fee: Assessed to a student whose payment is returned for any reason.
Many students have probably learned about the various charges listed above the hard way, and suffered the consequent fees for it. Learning these guidelines is a good way for students to avoid extra charges.
The more commonly known fees are for recreational sports and the library. The SFA Recreation Center and Ralph W. Steen Library have several features available for students.
The Different Services the Ralph W. Steen Library Offers:
One of the most advantageous services to students that the Steen library offers is the Academic Assistance and Resource Center. The AARC will help students with different subjects such as writing or math by means of peer tutoring and student conducted study groups. The AARC coincides with the available group study and meeting rooms that are available for checkout at the circulation desk on the first floor.
If a student needs assistance finding information for a class, there are assigned staff members for each area of study to help students. The library also offers counseling services to students. Licensed counselors are available to students to talk with in confidentiality. Lastly, the library has a Career Services Center that assists students and former students with career decisions and job searching.
The Different Services the Recreation Center Offers:
The SFA Recreation Center has a main level, upper level, and an outdoor area that provides numerous activities for students and families.
There is a noticeable, obtrusive figure that is centered in the middle of the main level. This figure is a climbing wall for the rock climbing enthusiasts, or anyone who wants prove they are not afraid of heights. Those who are interested in this will also be interested in Outdoor Pursuits. Outdoor Pursuits offers programs such as outdoor adventure trips, outdoor/travel clinic series, outdoor equipment rental and retail, and a challenge course. Another popular feature of the main level is the weight and fitness center. The center also provides massage therapy, which could be needed after a workout. To round out the main level are the basketball, volleyball and badminton courts.
The upper level has an indoor track that is seven laps to a mile. It also includes two racquetball courts, and a cardio/fitness area.
The courtyard/outdoor pool area of the Recreation Center is great summer fun. The pool area has a deck, diving pool, spa, and a lazy river. The courtyard has two sand volleyball courts, and two basketball courts.
Cost of Tuition and Fees Rising:
Students that have been going to SFA for more than a year might be noticing an increase in the cost of fees and the overall tuition. There has been a 55 percent increase in tuition and fee costs since 2003, due to an increase of restrictions on costs. And this isn’t only Stephen F. Austin, but all universities in the state of Texas.
“State officials used to brag about the affordability of college, but the costs have ballooned since 2003, even when inflation is factored in. That year, to help close a budget cap without raising taxes, lawmakers cut the amount of taxpayer money the state sent to universities — an overall 11 percent decrease per student — but removed ceilings placed on tuition so campuses could make up for the lost revenue,” according to Dallas Morning News writer Claire Cardona.
Considering the constant raise in tuition costs every year, it becomes more evident that students need to make the most of the services provided.
How Fees Come to Fruition:
The majority of SFA’s fees are not decided by the school, but instead the state of Texas. All of SFA’s mandatory fees are authorized by the Texas Education Code. The Texas Education Code, or TEC, is a set of state statutes that govern not only the universities in Texas, but all public schools. The full list of TEC statutes can be found at the website http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/?link=ED.
All the statues listed in the TEC are approved by the Texas Legislature. Some of the more well known controversial education statues, such as school prayer and bullying, are in this same Education Section.
Are the Fees Too High:
If a student thinks the fees are too high, or they shouldn’t be required to pay for services they will never use, they have the option to write to the state congressman. If anyone doesn’t know their State Senator and State Representative, the website http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/ provides an easy way to find their name and contact information. If a student is serious about getting the fees reduced, they can present a petition to their congressman.
Sources:
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=2147485624
http://www.sfasu.edu/campusrec/120.asp
http://www.sfasu.edu/controller/businessoffice/students/exp_fees.asp
coreystanfield@gmail.com
Beating the Economy
SFA student, Roland Solomon, beats the economy by saving gas and riding a bicycle to local destinations.
Financial Aid Issues
As the school finals are drawing near, and the 2011-2012 academic school year is coming to an end, it is time for students to prepare for summer school, as well as the fall semester. With that being said it is also time to apply for financial aid once again, as well as get registered for classes for the upcoming terms. However, this year many students are running into a problem that may prevent them from registering, or even attending any courses for a while.
Just this semester, the financial aid office at Stephen F. Austin State University decided to make a change to the requirements for the financial aid balance known as an “out-standing balance.” These changes affected the student’s ability to register for classes for the upcoming terms.
In the past if a student had an E-bill balance of $200 or less he or she could register for classes without any problems. On the other hand, if their balance exceeded the $200 amount, a registration hold would be placed on their file until it was paid below $200.
Unfortunately that is not the case anymore, the amount for an outstanding balance has decreased to $0. A student now has to have a balance or $0 in order to be eligible to register for any classes for upcoming terms. This becomes a problem for many students because many students depend on financial aid as a source of income to pay for classes. But if their balance is not at $0, they can not register which means they cannot receive financial aid at all.
Another problem is that some majors only offer courses during certain terms so if a student can not register due to financial aid issues then they could possibly be set back a few semesters from graduation. And a few more semesters in college means more money will be needed to pay for each extra term.
In today’s economy, financial aid is a must for most students attending a college or university. The amount for tuition and room and board is rising swiftly and they are becoming almost un-payable at times.
As a result of this, students are branching out and having to find and accept more loans in order to pay off the outstanding balances on their ebills. They also sometimes have to accept what the government calls a Direct PLUS loan. This loan is offered when a student’s limit in loans is reached. It is placed on the credit of the student’s parent but in the name of the student. For the students not willing to go find loans, they go out on the job hunt and in this economy, it’s usually not so successful.
SFA student, Aaron Anderson, said, “I don’t think the university cares about anybody’s personal budget honestly. They don’t understand the financial struggle college students face every semester.”
He went on to say, “to be honest, I really don’t know. I don’t know if the campus wants to build new things or if Dr. Baker Patillo just wants a bigger wallet. But either way it’s affecting what’s happening in my pockets.”
Many student on SFA’s campus feel the same way and are taking whatever steps are needed to get their account balance to $0 so that they are eligible to register for classes and receive their financial aid, but not without voicing their opinions.
Students all over the campus have been flooding the financial aid office with complaints about the recent changes and attempting to sign up for payment plans to clear their balance over a period of time. However the financial aid office doesn’t seem to be budging on their new policy. Students continue to struggle and financial issues continue to grow across campus.
Student speaks on financial struggle