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December 12, 2006
Getting aid for fifth year difficult
When the panic of registration subsides and the dread of finals begins, students often become more focused on simply passing classes than earning their degree. However, for a small number of students every year, for some reason or another, not having enough credits or certain classes to graduate keeps them on campus for yet another semester or even year. These students, sometimes known as super seniors, often do not get their extra semester or year paid for by Hamline. Can they get any financial aid at all?
Director of Financial Aid Lynette Wahl, who has held that position for over 20 years, says yes. If the student already qualifies for federal grants or loans, they will more than likely receive them in their fifth year. However, a student is unlikely to receive Hamline scholarships or state grants because they are only awarded for eight semesters.
Fifth-year senior Siobhan Sullivan is not receiving any financial aid, but said she had not in past years, either. However, she said that she believes Hamline could do more to help students who need it. “It’s sad,” she said. “And we’ll find after graduation if it’s worth the cost.”
Wahl said that many students in their fifth year are transfer students or in the education program. Many students in the education program also return as post-baccalaureates; students who have already earned a degree but come back to take more classes and further their education even more. They receive a lower fee per credit.
The Bulletin lays out the criteria a student needs to meet in order for Hamline to pay for their fifth year. The student must complete 32 credits each academic year with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00, pass all major courses with a grade of C- or better, consult with faculty advisors on a regular basis, declare a major by the end of sophomore year, file an Intent to Graduate form by the end of their junior year and register for classes at the normal scheduled times.
However, the assurance policy does not apply to Hamline to students with two or more majors, in special programs such as education certification or any other licensure or certificate program.
“There aren’t a ton of fifth-year seniors,” Wahl said. She also said that she does not understand how students couldn’t graduate in four years if they meet the requirements for the four-year assurance of graduation Hamline promises.
“I don’t know what options are out there and I do not know if Hamline or the state could help or if it is politics of the nation, but a college education should not put students in such debt,” Sullivan said.
Posted by dwright at December 12, 2006 07:12 PM
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