I realize that it's been a while since I last posted (as ThursdayNext pointed out in the comments section!). I apologize to my faithful readers, but I've been both unmotivated and had too many time restraints since school began. I'm interning with an art therapist this semester, and although the experience is wonderful, it is also draining and time consuming.
I'll get into internship details another time, as it is an inspiring experience worthy of multiple blog posts. Today, I'm going to rant a little. I am on campus as I type this amazing literary accomplishment. Why am I on campus typing a blog post, you ask? Well, I'm killing time waiting for a phone call from the Dean's secretary. She is currently researching to whom I need to direct my extreme dismay and incredulity that I must PAY a $50 fee in order to apply to graduate.
So, you're telling me that a tuition of between $25,000 and $30,000 a year, additional applied art fees for every class I take, completion of 70 credit hours, and a 4.0 GPA isn't enough? Must you SMACK me in the face with a fee to graduate? Am I not poverty stricken enough? Seriously? FIFTY dollars?
So, here's my question, what if I don't have $50? Does that mean I can't graduate? Because, seriously, I don't have fifty dollars. I don't have $5. I don't have enough money to pay rent which is due in 3 days. I'm crossing my fingers, hoping that the tipping Gods smile upon me this weekend so that I can pay my rent on Sunday. Graduation applications (and their ridiculous FEES) are due by tomorrow!
Now what?
The secretary has just called and informed me who I need to speak with, but she added the caveat "I want to tell you, all colleges have this fee, so don't get your hopes too high."
Should I deflate my spirit's belief that I'm going to graduate after working my ASS of for the last 2 plus years?
Oh, and another funny thing, my wonderful state of residence says that since I make over $10,000 a year, they won't give me any aid. Can you imagine surviving on $10,000 a year?
No wonder my parents were so poor for their entire lives.
Our system is set up for the rich to keep having little rich babies who get ahead, while the rest of us schmucks try and fail to get ahead.
Aaaargh!
When I started, I swear, I didn't mean for this post to sound so negative. I guess today was "use your blog to bitch" day.
More upbeat entry promised next time around. I'm off to fight with the director of student services. Wish me luck!
***Update***
Mr. Director of Student Services was unreachable, not in his office, didn't answer the phone. I was told next to email him. Here's Our email correspondence:
Mr. Director of Student Services ,
I would like to discuss with you the graduation application fee. I anticipate graduating in December. However, I simply cannot afford the fifty dollar fee.
I'm curious what I should do at this point. The application (as I'm sure you know) is due by October 1st, and I have no way of paying the fee. Does this mean that I can't graduate?
I've been informed that you are the person with whom I should speak regarding this matter. Please advise me on what my course of action should be. Should we discuss this in person, on the phone, via email? I commute an hour, and am not on campus tomorrow, but I could make a special trip if that is the best course of action at this point.
I thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
WiP
His response:
WiP,
The diplomas fee cannot be waived. Do you need an extension of time? If so, that is not a problem but we would have to agree upon a date.
Mr. Director of Student Services
So, there you go. I put the stupid fee on my charge card (while crossing my fingers that it wouldn't be declined). Apparently Mr. DoSS has no desire to communicate further about the fee and its relevance. What I find interesting is that the application states that you must pay this fee every time you APPLY. But he calls it a 'Diploma' fee. It should say, 'Fee must be paid for every DIPLOMA received', right? Can we opt for cheaper diplomas? I want the bargain basement one, it's just a friggin' piece of paper! It's not even a Master's degree! We're talking Bachelor's!
I want to email him back and tell him I'm thinking June 15th of 2020. Can we agree on that date Mr. DoSS?
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6 comments:
Unbelievable! I say let's all jump on the incredulous wagon, shift it into 'full speed ahead' and aim it right at Mr. Doss' office door...and, should the damage equal $50 or more, we'll call it a draw.
That's crazy. It's just another way to make a dollar. They know you're leaving and gotta get that.last.cent.
oh yes, the fee systems at University suck. major. ass. I still get monthly reminders from my student loan companies to remind of this heinous fact...
i am really sorry to hear that the advisor for this sort of thing was soo unhelpful. you should write a letter to the dean of the entire university. seriously? i am a big fan of the nice, yet get-the-point across bitchy letter.
good luck! and just think...graduation is closecloseclose now...=-)
I feel for you.
When I started my program in 1999, I was unemployed at the time so the government paid for half. I'll be paying off the other half until somewhere around the next millenium. And my daughters...I have NO idea how I'm going to get them through college.
Another cash grab. At least you faught. Pat yourself on the back for not accepting it without question.
John-I must say, that's not a bad idea altogether. Let's wait until I graduate at least.
Shpprgrl-Yes, it's official, they've bled me dry.
Thursday-Wow, I'm sorry I stirred up those emotions for you! It's really aggravating isn't it? Is nice to know that you can relate.
Ryane-I have been mentally composing a letter for months now. I pay an applied art fee for all of my art classes. The amusing thing is that we must buy all of our own supplies, the windows in the art rooms don't even close, the sinks are disgustingly grimy and get stopped up, and the easels are broken and wobbly. I do intent to send a departure letter, I just fear it will do very little good.
Steph-Student Loans. That's how you'll do it. Then they'll have to pay them off for the next 30 years. Do I sound bitter?
Mel-Thank you. I'm kind of saddened that it didn't accomplish anything. It makes me question what the point is of approaching these people if I'm left feeling like I wasted my time.
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