Cal Grant checks delayed

Understaffing has resulted in the Financial Aid Office issuing students' checks late

Beatrice Negulescu / Roundup

When students prepared to kiss summer goodbye and head back to the classroom, they did not anticipate the delay in the arrival of their Cal Grant checks.

“I was unable to buy my books on time this semester since I did not receive my Cal Grant check before school started, like I usually have for the past two years,” said Houtan Sarraf, 23-year-old art major.

Cal Grants are a simple way for college students to get money they are not required to pay back.

Depending on which Cal Grant you are awarded, the money can be used for tuition, living expenses and even school supplies. In order to receive a Cal Grant, students must meet the academic, financial and eligibility requirements listed at CalGrants.org. Year after year, many students depend on their Cal Grant checks to arrive in a timely manner so they are able to cover the increasing cost of school materials. This year was no exception.

“I rely on my Cal Grant money to help get school materials, and pay for rent,” said speech major Hamid Nicoo, 24.

As California attempted to close a $26 billion budget gap, many assumed any solution would involve more cuts in education spending.

This idea hit closer to home as speculation arose that school budget cuts were responsible for an understaffing problem at Pierce’s Financial Aid Office. This problem would cause students to receive their Cal Grant checks later than usual.

Anabel Rodriguez, a student worker in the Financial Aid Office, confirmed the staffing issue.

“But we just recently hired a couple of students, so we should be back on track. But the delay in Cal Grants is due to the high volume of applicants for Financial Aid,” Rodriguez said.

As of Sept. 22, Pierce has received 13,847 financial aid applications, with nine months remaining for more applications.

“(Because of) he current increases on educational costs and reduction of courses at CSU, U.C., (and) all community colleges, our district has experienced growth in financial aid applications,” said Anafe Robinson, director of financial aid, scholarships and veterans, in an e-mail.

“As a result of this increase across our district, all Pierce College Student Service Offices have experienced similar challenges on services.”

Robinson did not attribute the late distribution to staffing issues.

“The Pierce College administration has been supportive of staffing concerns. However, we are all in a limited financial situation due to the state budgets,” she continued. “The State of California released Cal Grant funds to all colleges and universities on Sept. 10. As soon as the Cal Grant funds were received by LACCD, eligible students were disbursed their Cal Grant funds.” In these uncertain financial times one thing is for sure; according to Rodriguez everyone in the Financial Aid Office is working really hard to make sure the students receive their financial aid.