Students at Southwestern College are being asked to wait longer periods of time before receiving their financial aid and the delays are causing unnecessary hardships, according to Professor of Political Science Phil Saenz.
“There was a lot of frustration,” he said. “Part of it probably is students not properly filling out paperwork.”
But Saenz said that the system is clogged up and some students will not be receiving their financial aid until the spring. He said he would like to see a process published on the website so students can figure out before hand what paperwork they need.
“Is there a step-by-step list of things that students must have to process their applications?” he said.
When students do not turn in their applications correctly the first time, he said, it backs up the process and extends the wait.
Saenz said he also made a request to the Associated Student Organization that it use some of its funds to help support another worker in the Financial Aid office.
ASO President Claudia Duran said student government declined taking action on the idea because it lacked the jurisdiction.
“There is definitely a need to have more staff support to assist departments such as Financial Aid to meet the needs for students in more efficient manner,” said Duran. “In this case, the college district does have the obligation to provide ongoing resources for personnel. The ASO resources are not designed for this manner. However, the ASO is always willing to assist if possible.”