UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
THURSDAY
The Student Voice Since 1903
JANUARY 20, 2000
Financial aid procedure baffles college students By Mike Greer
Stantiter
T
he start of a new semester brings excitement to some, fear to others, and long lines to most. The lower level of the University Center is home to several lines, including the Bursar's office and financial aid. The worst part for many students is at the end of the lines, their problems are just beginning. There are three main problems students say they have with the financial aid process. • Excess funds checks are not always ready when expected. • The appeals process sometimes takes longer than anticipated. • Being selected for verification can be a long and grueling process. Many people expecting checks were told at the Bursar's counter they would have to wait a week at least. The Federal Award Information Guide, available at the financial aid office, explains how fund disbursement works. Disbursement, which occurs each Monday, is based on money awarded and class enrollment. In order to have a federal check ready for the Jan. 10 start of classes, students had to have been enrolled by Jan. 3 at the latest. Pre-enrollment started in November. Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grants (OTAG) were available Jan. 10 only to those enrolled by Dec. 23. The remailing OTAG awards will be processed after enrollment ends January 21. External problems, like with a student's lender, can add to the delay of payment, but as far as UCO financial aid goes, preenrollment is the key.
Another concern of some students is their appeals. Appeals are made when a student on probation fails again to meet their academic requirements. Their aid is cut unless the student can write an essay persuading a panel consisting of three faculty and staff members that they are deserving. The panel's decision is final. The appeal form states that all appeals are decided and returned in no more than 10 days. "Students are encouraged to send in appeals within 10 days of their aid being cut or complete a semester at their own expense for redemption," said Sheila Fugett, director of financial aid. At least one student submitted their appeal before the Dec. 17 deadline and as of Jan. 11 she had not heard back. Fugett maintains that all appeals were decided on before the holidays and results were sent by Dec. 23. "Any student with any financial aid problems should come to the office so we can help them straighten things out." said Fugett. Some students are still upset about the extensive verification problems they suffered in the fall. Each year students should fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A few weeks after sending this in, students receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This gives the student a chance to check the information for any errors before final submission. The SAR tells a student if they have been selected for verification. "Verification is always determined by the government, V See FINANCIAL AID,
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—Staff photo by Landon Salyer
Connect the lines... Telco Supply Company employees, Jeremy Hoffman (left) and Ele Romo (right), work to install new telephone lines between Murdaugh Hall and the Max Chambers Library. The Sulfer based company specializes in telecommunications technologies. The new lines are to help expand the networking capabilities of the facilities here on campus.
Waste not, want not...
Tips for helping conserve resources offered By Allison Franklin
u
StaffWriter CO's
campus is more environmentally aware than other campuses around the state, according to Michael Dean, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). "It's surprising because you'd think the smaller, more rural schools would be better, but it's been my impression for the past filie or six years that UCO does the best job of keeping clean,"
Dean said. While UCO students may be going above and beyond for the environment, Americans in general are not, according to Dean. At least 28 billion pounds of edible food are wasted each year, according to DEQ. That's over 100 pounds per person. To multiply the country's wastefulness, Americans waste 25 percent more during the holiday season. According to DEQ, if Americans would have put one
less cookie on Santa's plate, we would have saved two million pounds of edible food. All in all, America's holiday waste adds up to one million extra tons of trash per week. So what can UCO students do to make up for America's extravagance? There are lots of simple ways we can make a difference for the environment, Dean said. First of all, students can make sure not to litter.
• See ENVIRONMENT, Page 2