MCC policy change hits hard; Some students say financial aid system is unfair

Terry Organ

Kingman Daily Miner

KINGMAN - Casey Roehrick is a single mother raising a child and working a job for minimum wage.

She also is attending Mohave Community College, where a change in the way financial aid in the form of grants is distributed is creating a hardship for her.

The change took effect last semester when a “hold” was placed on student aid checks until the end of the add-drop period for classes.

“In the past, you got your check one week prior to school starting,” Roehrick said. “You took it to the bank and then went and bought your textbooks on campus and anything else needed elsewhere because you had the cash.”

With the institution of the hold on checks, students now have a “tab” established in the college bookstore. You give the clerk there your student ID number and he or she deducts the amount of your purchase from money coming later in the check.

“This is really an excellent idea because of the high number of students in the past with a track record of cashing checks and dropping their classes,” Roehrick said.

“The way the system worked previously allowed many to walk away with a percentage of money without the penalty of full repayment.”

However, the MCC bookstore is operated by the Barnes & Noble chain and has a limited selection of items needed for courses.

Students must buy “overpriced” items there that could be purchased elsewhere for much less money, she said.

Roehrick feels the aid money is rightfully hers and guarantees her personal financial stability.

The check-hold policy is a standard practice used at colleges and universities nationwide, said Joe Heinley, MCC director of financial aid.

“When I arrived here (in June 2004) students were paid on the first day of classes,” Heinley said. “We did not have a bookstore deferment program at the time, and the college went to it for the benefit of students.

“Setting up the procedures necessary took a year-and-a-half, and students were notified (in August 2005) of the change, so they knew about it.

“Some say 'they're holding my money,' but it's not their money. We request it (from the U.S. Department of Education or lenders if the student is taking out loans) three days before issuing their checks, at which time it is their money.”

Heinley said 90 percent of students have no problem with the change.

In the past, a student might add a class on Monday and drop it Wednesday, making two transactions necessary to stay current on the aid status and making it “a moving target,” Heinley said.

“Now students don't get overpaid or underpaid for their classes,” he said.

“Many colleges don't issue checks until more than 30 days into a semester, but we pay three to four weeks into a semester.”

Students who plan ahead for the next semester can order necessary supplies in advance and avoid the problems Roehrick is facing, he said.

“We're making sure students can go to college and don't hurt themselves or the college,” Heinley said.

“We can't do that if we pay in advance as there would be a liability to them if a class was cancelled and they already spent the money.”

Roehrick relates some of her problems at the MCC bookstore in an e-mail.

“Last semester, I took an art class that required colored pencils. I ventured to the bookstore and bought one black and one white name brand colored pencils at the price of $2.09 each. The class progressed and inevitably required more colorful artwork.

“I purchased a package of 48 generic colored pencils for $4.99, $5.34 with tax. I got an A in my class and did art work that people fell in love with.

“Had I purchased each color individually at the bookstore I would have spent $107.34 with tax, that is $102 I saved on colored pencils alone.

“Notebooks, index cards, pencils, pens, it all adds up! Aside from the outrageous prices, not all the supplies can be purchased in the store.

“Now I must use my time trying to figure out a way to make my money stretch (to be) able to afford over $200 worth of supplies, while the school holds my check.”

During the first semester, the college granted exemptions under certain circumstances to some students.

“Some exemptions were granted last semester for special circumstances like supplies not being available in the bookstore or the student had to pay rent,” Heinley said.

“There are fewer exceptions now and we hope to have none next year.”