Response to student financial concerns
Dear Wayne State students,
The nation’s economic crisis has placed a strain on all of us, and we are aware of the financial concerns many of you face. We understand and share your anxiety, and feel we must take extraordinary actions to address an extraordinary situation. I have met with campus leadership on several occasions to discuss ways to confront these issues, and we have agreed on the following actions:
- Establish a tuition and fee payment grace period:
To help students with temporary financial challenges register and begin classes for Winter 2009, we are implementing a tuition and fee payment grace period. This will allow students registered for Fall 2008 with balances of $1,500 or less to register for classes. Additionally, the payment deadline for these past-due balances is extended until January 9, 2009. Students who pay their past-due balances by this deadline will be able to continue with their education during the Winter 2009 term. This is a temporary suspension of our policy to restrict registration until all financial obligations are settled.
- Contact all unregistered students:
We have analyzed student financial issues case by case, and are contacting all students who have not registered for Winter 2009 as of today to offer assistance in: a) assessing the student’s situation and needs, b) identifying financial aid opportunities, c) supporting students by helping them obtain such aid if possible, and d) connecting students with Wayne State’s installment payment plan service.
- Establish a Student Response Center:
For students registered for the Fall 2008 term with past-due balances, we have created a student response center to field questions and provide counseling to those experiencing temporary financial challenges. Students may visit the Welcome Center, 42 West Warren, through December 23 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., or on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Students also may call the Financial Aid Office during working hours at (313) 577-3378, or visit www.finaid.wayne.edu. Click on Student Response Center and submit your information and questions.
- Conduct financial literacy seminars:
The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) has established monthly financial literacy seminars for students. The next session, to be held December 13, will have a 9 to 10:30 a.m. component for graduate students and another from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for undergraduates. These sessions will be held in the Welcome Center. For more information call (313) 577-3378, visit www.finaid.wayne.edu or e-mail financialaid@wayne.edu. This seminar is open to the public.
- Continue investment in programs aligned with Michigan’s economic revitalization:
Wayne State University plays a major role in the state’s economic revitalization, and our programs have been at the forefront of emerging industries. We will continue to invest in the development and delivery of programs in areas such as alternative energy, healthcare, information technology and other disciplines critical to our students and their current and future employers.
A university education is more important for your personal and career success, and for the future prosperity of Michigan, than at any time in our history. With that in mind, we pledge whatever support we can provide to ensure that you are able to continue your education. We will be communicating with you regularly regarding this process, and encourage you to take advantage of any services that will be helpful.
Thank you.
Jay Noren
President