While the other students in my summer classes were stressing
about their grades on the final, I was worried about something much
more important ““ whether I would be able to afford my
education. I did everything right: I planned; I budgeted; I cooked
at home instead of eating out. Unfortunately, I didn’t
anticipate that after three years of school my expected family
contribution was going to change from $0 to almost $10,000 per
year.
Upon learning of the change, I appealed immediately. My parents
made less money last year than in years past when I had full
financial aid, so why was there a change? Especially one so
drastic.
After four months, I still haven’t heard whether my appeal
was successful. I’ve gone to the Financial Aid Office twice
to check on my status, and both times my counselor was on
vacation.
According to the office, my aid was slashed because of budget
cuts. But given that 20 percent of the fee increase for 2004-05
went to fund financial aid, I’m confused as to how the office
could be so underfunded in comparison to years past.
Even if funding is the problem, the university should not use
students to make up for its lack of money ““ an opinion
reinforced by the recent court injunction against fee increases at
some of the University of California’s law, medical and other
professional schools.
A group of eight graduate students from four UC campuses sued in
response to midyear and future year fee hikes, alleging breach of
contract. They planned for one fee, they choose a public school
over a private school because of that fee, but now ““ if you
add in scholarships ““ that private school is probably looking
cheaper.
I can relate to these students because I feel exactly the same
way. Had I known that my fourth year my fees would have been raised
$10,000, I could have and would have planned for it.
But when the increase is unfairly sprung upon me, there’s
nothing I can do.
Financial aid and other factors influencing our fees and tuition
need to remain steady throughout our education.
If problems look imminent when we begin, then prorate our aid
allowances based on the expectation of future difficulties.
Or at least warn us that such drastic changes may occur. Perhaps
it would even be best to raise the fees more for other
students.
During most fee increases, 33 percent of the increase is
returned to financial aid rather than 20 percent. Why wasn’t
that done this year?
By accepting us into this school, UCLA has an obligation to do
whatever is necessary to ensure that we graduate.
I just wish the administration knew that.
Chow is a fourth-year sociology student.