The Alabama State University board of trustees approved a new policy on Aug. 30, aimed at addressing students who possess delinquent accounts.
This policy outlines clear guidelines and procedures for handling overdue balances and emphasizes the adherence to federal regulations set forth by the Financial Value Transparency Act (FVT), overseen by the U.S. Department of Education.
The new policy states that “any student with a past-due balance will lose the privilege of attending classes and will not be permitted to register for a new academic term until their account has been fully paid. This change applies to both current and previously enrolled students, with an immediate effect.”
Zahane Smith, a sophomore majoring in biology pre-health, said, “I think it’s very stupid,” he said. “If I am a dedicated student who has a reason to be here, money should not be a factor as to why I shouldn’t be able to apply for housing and register for classes.”
She continued.
“At least give the students the opportunity to register and apply first. Because once the balance is cleared, most students are put on a waitlist or can no longer get into classes, which defeats the whole purpose of clearing the balance.”
Johnna Robinson, a graduating senior majoring in early childhood education, believes that the process can be improved.
“I understand where the university is coming from, but the process doesn’t work,” she said. “There have been times where students had the needed funds to cover their balances, and the university didn’t do their part to apply those funds, which caused them to not even get housing. Students should be able to register for classes and deal with funds after, not the other way around.”
Jayden Bell, a senior communication major said, “I’ve gotten used to it, but I shouldn’t have to. Over the years I’ve learned to prepare better so that I won’t get purged or miss out on classes, but it’s not easy. Many of my friends have not been able to return to school because they had a balance. Payment plans only help so much.”
Sarita Strother, associate vice president for business and finance/comptroller, provided key details about the policy, confirming that students are responsible for staying informed about the updates.
“Students can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website for recent updates about transcripts, or they can visit our website for the updated changes,” Strother said.
Recognizing the financial difficulties that students might face, the university has built in flexibility for those unable to pay their balances in full by the due date.
“Students can start a payment plan as early as one month before the start of the semester,” Strother said. “Cashnet is available to all enrolled students to create a payment plan with an enrollment fee of $35.”
For students awaiting financial aid disbursements, Strother assured that they would not be penalized, provided their aid covers their balances.
“Students who have pending financial aid to cover full balances are considered paid students, with the exception of federal work study students,” she noted.
The university is also focused on ensuring that students who may experience temporary financial challenges are not permanently barred from continuing their education.
Strother emphasized the university’s efforts to work with students to resolve their accounts.
“The University has beenworking with delinquent students to make payment arrangements,” she said. “Students can make payments at any time via Hornetsweb or with the Cashiers’ Office during business hours. Students are not permanently barred from registering due to a financial obligation.”
Communication is a key element of the new policy, and the university will ensure that students receive ample warning before further actions are taken on delinquent accounts.
“Students are sent emails throughout the semester to remind them of their balances.
They are also sent numerous notifications before being placed in collections,” Strother explained, detailing the measures in place to keep students informed.
The university’s adherence to the U.S. Department of Education’s Financial Value Transparency Act will guide the implementation and any necessary adjustments to the policy.
“The University will continue to monitor updates from the Department of Education regarding changes to the existing policy and respond accordingly,” she said.
Strother addressed how the policy will affect students’ access to their academic records, including transcripts.
“Students with a financial hold and who received Title IV Funding for any term must make an initial payment as outlined in the payment plan categories established by the University. This initial payment is necessary to set up a payment plan and to release a full transcript,” she explained.
Strother also encouraged students to explore additional financial resources through the university.
“Students are responsible for their account balances,” she said. “They can also visit the Office of Financial Aid to learn about additional resources and potential scholarships that may be available.”