Starting next semester, Skyline will be changing the way its students pay for classes. Beginning Jan. 4, 2012, if you don’t have all of your previous balances paid off, the school will automatically drop you from your classes. Also, when registering for classes, you will be required to pay all of your fees at the time of registration or sign up for a new payment plan. Otherwise, you’ll be dropped from any classes you are enrolled in.
What we at the Skyline View don’t like though, is that it feels as if the school is more interested in its own welfare rather than the welfare of its students. Skyline is imposing these new restrictions upon the entire student body almost like a punishment for a few students who don’t pay their tuition. Most of all, this new policy is aimed at, and is going to have a direct impact upon, the students of Skyline College. We the students should have a say in something that is going to impact us so heavily, but we weren’t even asked about this new plan. Instead, we are given two choices: Follow the plan or don’t go to school.
Now don’t panic, the school isn’t totally ignoring some of the financial troubles of their students for the sake of cash flow. They are giving you options in case you can’t pay immediately. One option is the aforementioned payment plan that requires you to pay a fee so that you can pay your dues across the semester instead of in one lump sum. That’s right, you have to pay a fee so you can pay your fees and it will only cost you $20 a semester.
Students who rely on Federal Student Aid to help pay tuition don’t have to worry. As long as you have your forms filled out by Dec. 27, the Jan. 4 deadline doesn’t affect you. However, there has been no word yet on whether or not the deadline will apply to those who get their FAFSA money after the start of the semester. For those of you who are worried about getting dropped for that reason, we can offer no solace.
As for why the district is making this change it’s a simple reason. There’s an estimated 11,000 students who have outstanding fees right now and the district is in debt between $5-$8 million. This is their way of keeping those numbers from getting too far out of control.
The aim of the Skyline View editorial is to inform and inspire students. This week we are sending out a call to action to the student body. Get out there with your phones and emails, and contact those responsible for the change and let them know how you feel. The Financial Aid Office and the cashier’s desk are good places to air any of your questions and complaints.
If you want to get in touch with administration, Regina Morrison is the Program Supervisor for Financial Aid and you can contact her office at (650) 738-4350 or e-mail her at [email protected]. You can also contact John Mosby, the Dean of Enrollment services at (650) 738-4484 and e-mail him at [email protected].
