Kayla Thorsey

News Article
JOU206
PLATTSBURGH Financial aid policy implemented on SUNY Plattsburgh
campus has caused advising uncertainty.
Students receiving state or federal financial aid must register for a minimum of 12
credits each semester toward their degree. General Education, major courses and
electives fulfill the policy until students complete 120 credits.
Kerry Lubold, financial aid associate director, says elective course opportunities
are available. What we will be doing is making sure youre on track, primarily, with
your degree, said Lubold, You can still take the other courses you want as long as
youre [registered for] 12 credits [per semester toward your degree].
Junior biology major Ariel Chasipanta says the policy is communicated poorly.
My advisor told me it would be fine to only take one class toward my major and
complete my minor next semester since I only have four classes left, said Chasipanta,
The whole process is just confusing now.
Lubold agreed the process causes confusion. It s very confusing, said Lubold.
Lubold added that the circumstances differ for each student. [Advising] may involve a
student having a follow-up consultation with our office, said Lubold.
Academic adviser Elizabeth Bernat said, With any new implementation or policy
theres going to be a period of uncertainty, but things are running smoothly.
Staci Fisher, a junior human development and family relations major, disagreed
with Bernat. Advising seemed to be unorganized this semester, and I dont think it did in
the past, said Fisher.
Advisers dont know what type of aid students get, and its not something they
need to know, said Lubold, A conversation with us, most of the time, is resulting in
clarification or other options.
Fisher and Chasipanta worry that students are not informed. I was under the
impression that General Education couldnt be completed until your major was, and its
not true, said Fisher.
I cant afford to lose my financial aid, said Chasipanta, and I want to graduate
on time.