Kendria Haley
MC301 Contributor/Staff
William H. Kelly III will never forget Sept. 9, 2016. Not because it was the day before a huge rivalry football game, but because it was the day that he found out he had been purged from the university as a result of incomplete registration.
Kelly, a junior mass communication major from Houston, Texas, just wanted to grab breakfast from the school cafeteria before traveling to Memphis, Tenn. for the annual Southern Heritage Classic football game. He said he was both shocked and embarrassed when an employee in the dining hall informed that he had to leave.
“I was devastated when I found out, but I tried to laugh and joke about it because I had only been purged from my classes,” Kelly said.
Even though Kelly and other students took the proper steps to ensure a stellar start to the school year, something still went awry and as a result, they was purged.
Purging a student from the university includes: removal of class schedule, eviction from school housing facilities, and removal from meal plans.
The Office of Financial Services coordinates financial assistance offered to the students. Grants, loans, scholarships, and work study, are all handled by this department.
Jewell Harris, Executive Director of the Business Office, provided information on this issue.
Harris stated that changes in federal regulations have caused a majority of the issues the students are facing.
Harris added that if a student has a balance of $200 or less, the system automatically completes registration for the student. If the balance outstanding is more than $200, it is the student’s responsibility to come to the business office to give permission to complete registration.
Harris believes that some students are intimidated about the amount that they owe, or are not comfortable with speaking to someone about billing issues they have but they can receive help if they come to the Business Office.
According to Harris, approximately 1500 to 1700 students at JSU have an outstanding balance or a financial issue that needs to be cleared up. Communication is key when resolving these issues. Students with concerns should reach out to the business office in person for the fastest resolution.
At the start of each semester, as a courtesy to the students, Jackson State University allows students with financial aid the option to place funds up to $1000 on their JSU I.D./ Supercard. This allows the students to purchase books, food and supplies. It can also be used on/off campus with participating vendors.
Some students have not been successful with resolving the purge issue, even though they have been in contact with the Business Office.
Alivia Swensen, a junior social work major from Fairfield, Calif., is one of those students. She was aware of her situation early in the semester, but was unsuccessful in the appeals process. She missed a step in the process and is now working diligently with financial services to resolve the issue.
“I went to the business office so they could complete my registration and reinstate me in my classes. They took my name and J number and said it would be completed within 48 hours; didn’t happen,” said Swenson.
Kelly and Roderick McNair, or still working to get their issues resolved.
McNair, a junior mass communication major from Gulfport, Miss., was able to work with financial services and is expected to have resolution very soon but was frustrated with the process.
“It’s hard to maintain being on the Dean’s List when the financial aid department is messing up your paperwork and not releasing your funds to purchase books,” said McNair.
McNair added, “I was able to sign the purge list and was told that all of my classes would be back on my schedule in the next three days, and that my funds will also be released, so that’s a great thing!”
Kelly who has been awarded financial aid, checks his account frequently to see if it has been updated, but to date, it has not.
Completing registration is important. Financial Services provides both online and on-site options for completing necessary requirements. Students can view their accounts online at 10.14.12.245/financialaid to find out financial aid status as well as any holds that may be on their account (P.A.W.S). Students can also make online payments using this system.
Business Office counselors are available to assist students from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students can contact the office at 601-979-2216 for any questions or concerns. They can also login to their JSU P.A.W.S account to complete registration and view financial aid status.
