I usually don’t write very many commentary pieces, but when I do, I try to make them of something worthwhile. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not for lack of trying or lack of interest. The simple fact is, I don’t think I have very much to say or have anything worthwhile to say.
Well, recent events have made my life interesting again, even if they’re for the wrong reasons.
During spring 2009, representatives of the housing office set up tables with laptop computers for students that were living in the dorms so they could sign up for rooms during 2009-2010 and keep the cost down to 08-09 levels.
What did I do? I took advantage of the deal.
One catch.
I knew I would be moving out of the dorms after fall term so before signing up, I spoke to one of the student representatives and told him of my predicament and was assured there would be no problem being moved out.
What did he say? No problem.
So, I found my apartment and during finals week of fall term, I moved out of dorms and into my new place. Then, after heading home for winter break, I checked my account and noticed something fishy.
What was it? A charge of more than $2200 to my account.
Yes, you read correctly. Southern Oregon University’s housing department decided to charge me a “Housing Contractual Fine” of $2250.
Hands down, this is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen.
I understand SOU is strapped with money. I even understand that the school is attempting to come up with ways to save money.
But this is ridiculous.
As students, our main goal should be to focus on school. Unfortunately, school has become so expensive that on top of focusing on our schoolwork, many students are tasked with working to pay for school. For some, this means 20, 30, or 40-hour workweeks along with having a full-time schedule.
This shouldn’t be about me, but I can’t help it. How is it possible that a school, our school or any school, has the ability to charge us thousands of dollars (tens of thousands for out-of-state students like myself) each year for tuition and then charge us ridiculously high fines because of mistakes made on their end.
This isn’t a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of being just.
All the frustration that has come out of this has led me to completely understand how the students – 40 in total, I believe – who were kicked out of Glacier Hall feel. To spend months in a place, make friends and then get forced out of your “home” is just plain stupid.
I’m not angry. I’m not even upset. I am however, disappointed that those who are tasked with making the big decisions were unable to see how some of their decisions could not only affect me, but a slew of other students financially and emotionally.
So, this is the price we pay? Interesting.
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