By Jocelyn Colbert |Staff Writer| Educators gathered in Los Angeles to discuss ways to combat the increased “privatization” of higher education and the possible institution of a student loan refinancing program. The Campaign for the Future of Higher Education (CFHE) and supporters don’t like the idea of treating students like “consumers” and a college education as a “product.” According to D. Bruce Johnstone, professor at the University at Buffalo, “privatization, in reference to higher education refers to a process or tendency of colleges and universities [both public and private] taking on characteristics of, or operational norms associated with, private enterprises.” … [Read more...] about Students meet to demand higher education changes
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Obama proposes free community college
By Jorge Campos |Staff Writer| President Barack Obama has officially proposed to make community colleges “virtually free” for anybody who is willing to work for it. This economical help will only benefit students who graduate high school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. His plan, the “America’s College Promise”, will encourage students to maintain good grades and reach for a high school diploma. “Given that this is Obama’s final State of the Union Address, it was likely that he was trying to define his presidential legacy with this speech. In theory, it is of course a good idea but if it increases national debt then I would give the plan a second look,” said CSUSB’s Political Science … [Read more...] about Obama proposes free community college
Students remain optimisic about job search
By Alejandro Cardenas |Staff Writer| While the current job market has many uncertainties about its future, I believe students can take the uncertainty and turn it into an opportunity by taking advantage of degrees in high demand. The unemployment rate for young college graduates is 8.5 percent and a total 16.8 percent of American graduates are still underemployed, according to slate.com. This means they’re either jobless, looking for work, or only working a part-time job. Even more disturbing, is 44 percent of recent graduates are working jobs that don’t demand a degree, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s January report. While a lack of jobs may play a role … [Read more...] about Students remain optimisic about job search
Timely graduations grow uncommon
By Ivanna Carlos |Staff Writer| Nowadays, many students are taking longer than they had hoped to earn their college degree, making the four year plan seemingly impossible. Its become uncommon for many college students to graduate within the typical four year time frame. The CSUSB website includes a headline link that promises incoming freshmen, who sign a commitment contract, they can graduate in four years. These obligations include signing a four year pledge contract, promising to register for 15 units every quarter, and staying aware of the pledge obligations. "I am starting my sixth year at CSUSB and it is definitely not what I intended," said student Suna Haddad. Most … [Read more...] about Timely graduations grow uncommon
How to use your credit cards wisely
By Jennifer Baeskens |Staff Writer| Credit cards can drag you down a rat hole of serious debt and leave you marked for life. Students Patrice Thompson and Chris Burns both use their credit cards frequently. “I understand that I need to be a responsible user and I understand the consequences and how it can affect my future if I am not responsible,” said Thompson. Credit card companies flock to campuses during the beginning of the school year trying to get students to sign up for new credit cards. These companies don’t let students know what is in the fine print and most don’t understand what a risk these cards can be. According to Lisa Gomez, Vice President of People’s Bank … [Read more...] about How to use your credit cards wisely
CSUSB officials address our debt crisis
By Angel Lizardi |Staff Writer| CSUSB officials responsible for assisting students in search of student loans said that they want to focus and improve their efforts on communicating with students on how to handle their financial aid. The Coyote Chronicle interviewed them in response to a series of articles that focus on the issues students have with handling their educational finances. “I am aware that our students have student loan debt; nationally, student loan debt is a major issue,” said Dr. Brian Haynes, Vice President of Student Affairs, which oversees the financial aid deptartment. Dr. Haynes mentioned that the university is taking steps to address this issue with the use of … [Read more...] about CSUSB officials address our debt crisis
Financial aid is not keeping up with inflation
By Lynn Post |Staff Writer| Every time the cost of tuition increases the amount of money awarded to students should as well, because inflation is apparent in both sides of the equation. If it does not it will cause fewer students to be able to attend college at a time when having an education is crucial for survival. Not allowing students enough money to afford college fees and personal expenses is a detriment to their health and well-being. It leaves less time for academics; due to worry on where their next meal will come from and how many extra hours they need to work to afford gas and other expenses. According to the US inflation calculator, inflation in 2012 increased by 1.7 … [Read more...] about Financial aid is not keeping up with inflation
Higer interest loan fees
By, Alejandra Arana |Staff Writer| Student interest rates on subsidized loans will double on July 1 if Congress does not take action to stop it. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 requires that subsidized loan interest rates will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent in a few months. These rates will only apply to newly established loans that are taken out after July 1 by students who are currently enrolled or will be enrolled after the date. According to WebMath.com which is a compound interest calculator, a $25,000 loan taken out with a 3.4 percent interest rate will cost a student up to$39,913.31 over 30 years. A loan taken out with a 6.8 percent interest will cost … [Read more...] about Higer interest loan fees