Is It This Week To Know The Faith Of The D.a.p. ???

[senz_asian]

Hello everyone! ..can someone in Cayman now breath some words about the progress of the D.A.P. ???


many thanks!

[DrCannoli]

we shall wait and see...actually it's next week :X...sorry one more week

[camryllionareMD]

We haven't had any dean-student meetings yet, right? It would be a good time to make the dap announcement and answer any of our questions. Guess we'll just wait and see.

[WSUCougar]

Financial Aid told me June 23rd

[Aleksander]

They told me june 23rd as well.

[BTP Julian]

we havent had a Dean/Student Meeting Yet?....is there going to be one this semester?

[UFTim]

we havent had a Dean/Student Meeting Yet?....is there going to be one this semester?


I guess it's up to your new Dean of Basic Science. We petitioned for deans meetings. They weren't there from Day 1 when I started at St. Matty's.

[camryllionareMD]

we havent had a Dean/Student Meeting Yet?....is there going to be one this semester?
I don't know, coz Dr N (former dean) had them like clock work twice a month. Any time there was a hot topic buzzing the room would fill up to the brim. We'd ask about anything, complain about Michigan, loans, scantrons etc. It was great the time we lost Healthexpress coz we had a meeting and the financial aid office was on speaker phone from Florida. We got announcements about impending meetings and the topics. That was Dr N, I guess it was his style.

Now, there's a new sheriff in town so if he don't do meetings we won't have none.

[gschneid]

Meetings for what? Here is a summary of what you would hear: We're still finalizing the DAP and still working on independent lenders. There aren't any new clinical sites but we're constantly working on finding new sites.

Be patient, they will let us know when things are happening. In the meantime, take care of your own business, i.e. go to class, study, and pass exams.

[senz_asian]

I agree with you ... but it's kinda hard when you dont have any financial source to continue your education... which means you can not go to class (or rotations in my case) and you can not pass any exam without the trainings..... therefore, .. we need to push the administration and squeeze some information out of them. ...How many times you first learn about something happens on this website before you hear it from the admin??



Meetings for what? Here is a summary of what you would hear: We're still finalizing the DAP and still working on independent lenders. There aren't any new clinical sites but we're constantly working on finding new sites.

Be patient, they will let us know when things are happening. In the meantime, take care of your own business, i.e. go to class, study, and pass exams.

[gschneid]

I agree with you senz, but there's no information to squeeze out of them. I'm sure if they had a miracle source of funding they wouldn't hesitate to tell the students. That would mean they get paid.

And just to hijack this thread to an unrelated topic, does the semester schedule go out the window when you get to clinicals due to varying lengths of rotations and differences in scheduling?

[senz_asian]

You're right. ...there's no miracle when it comes to the global economy. .. I hope that they will release some info to us this coming days.


To answer your question, .. it has everything to do with "timing" and "geography" ... if you want all green and little moving as possible, that will be hard, .. but if you dont care about blue or green rotations or the geography, they can work something out for you fairly quick.


Others please stay on topic and please let us know if anything about the DAP comes out this week.

thanks everyone for responding!

cheers!


I agree with you senz, but there's no information to squeeze out of them. I'm sure if they had a miracle source of funding they wouldn't hesitate to tell the students. That would mean they get paid.

And just to hijack this thread to an unrelated topic, does the semester schedule go out the window when you get to clinicals due to varying lengths of rotations and differences in scheduling?

[butterflymd]

Hey Senz my understanding is that they are having a sit down today with administration and that the school would announce another pvt student loan program on Monday the 23rd or Tuesday the 24th. So lets stay tune. :p:p

[JTP73]

So what are all of you who depend on loans doing--finding other ways to pay or relying that SMU will come through?

[facemask]

what does DAP stand for? :confused: guessing it has something to do with financial aid based on content of posted remarks

[kauquah]

I guess it's up to your new Dean of Basic Science. We petitioned for deans meetings.

There's a new Dean? Wasn't the last one doing a great job? I thought the regular student meetings were a good idea.

[gschneid]

Yes, the new Dean is Dr. K or Dr. S (I've heard people refer to him as both), the pharm professor. I'm not sure of the circumstances surrounding the departure of Dr. N. But the rumor is that there was some corruption.

[gschneid]

what does DAP stand for? :confused: guessing it has something to do with financial aid based on content of posted remarks

DAP = Direct Assistance Program

Financial assistance directly from the school. Clever name.

[kauquah]

DAP = Direct Assistance Program

Financial assistance directly from the school. Clever name.

Will dap cover tuition and living expences or just tuition?

[WSUCougar]

Yes, the new Dean is Dr. K or Dr. S (I've heard people refer to him as both), the pharm professor. I'm not sure of the circumstances surrounding the departure of Dr. N. But the rumor is that there was some corruption.

although this is off topic, I feel that it needs to be clarified. Dr. S is the "Dean of Student Affairs", while Dr. K is "Dean of Basic Sciences". both are very good people to have in these positions.

Don't listen to rumors regarding Dr. N's departure. (or start any, for that matter) he was a very good Dean, but "he's the one who put in his notice" a semester in advance even. Both sides parted their ways in a very professional manner, which is how it should be done.

if any "corruption" was present, believe me..... both sides would have parted ways "immediately", not at the end of the semester.

[WSUCougar]

Will dap cover tuition and living expences or just tuition?

they are saying tuition + living expenses.

wait next week for more info

[Bignshiny]

senz, can you please edit your thread title to say FATE instead of faith?

[senz_asian]

Thank you Bignshiny.... I started the thread past midnight,.. and I apologize for the typo, and I will immediately correct it.


thank you each and everyone for participating and please please let us know what you hear in Cayman and post it here for those whom are not there anymore.

thanks again! :)


senz, can you please edit your thread title to say FATE instead of faith?

[azulpanther]

senz, can you please edit your thread title to say FATE instead of faith?




lol talk about being anal

[Bignshiny]

lol talk about being anal

is it really being anal? it really isn't too much to ask to have the English language written correctly - senz stepped up and acknowledged the typo - no harm, no foul. one of the reasons people at this school, and everywhere else for that matter, do not get respect is that people write and speak like morons (this is not directed at you by any means, senz) - that goes from the profs on down to the student body, especially. I am particularly referring to those profs whose first language is English. Just because you are in a science-based professional school doesn't excuse a lack of proficiency in one's mother tongue, nor does it give us licence to bastardize it in the manner that I hear SMU students do every day. Is it really a lot to ask? I shudder to think that there are students who are going to go out to clinicals and beyond and think that rampant spelling mistakes and using it's and its interchangeably is OK. It's not - it just tells me that you are either dumb, ignorant or both. The rant might be a tad anal, but who's kidding who? I am not the only one who thinks this way.

[azulpanther]

is it really being anal? it really isn't too much to ask to have the English language written correctly - senz stepped up and acknowledged the typo - no harm, no foul. one of the reasons people at this school, and everywhere else for that matter, do not get respect is that people write and speak like morons (this is not directed at you by any means, senz) - that goes from the profs on down to the student body, especially. I am particularly referring to those profs whose first language is English. Just because you are in a science-based professional school doesn't excuse a lack of proficiency in one's mother tongue, nor does it give us licence to bastardize it in the manner that I hear SMU students do every day. Is it really a lot to ask? I shudder to think that there are students who are going to go out to clinicals and beyond and think that rampant spelling mistakes and using it's and its interchangeably is OK. It's not - it just tells me that you are either dumb, ignorant or both. The rant might be a tad anal, but who's kidding who? I am not the only one who thinks this way.


now breathE . feel much better ? I hope this venting helps you earn the grade you want on your upcoming exams. I'll be a punching bag if it means that you will earn a higher score.

but hey guess what. No one can be perfect. No one can speak or write english perfectly nor can any one truly master any art. Whether it be academic, technical, or athletic. People are always bound to make mistakes.

[butterflymd]

I second Azuls' statement. Big and Shiny you are going a little overboard don't you think. It is a forum where mistakes can be made. Relax it's is going to be alright. ;)

[butterflymd]

Originally Posted by Bignshiny http://www.valuemd.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.valuemd.com/st-matthews-university-school-medicine/158738-week-know-faith-d-p-3.html#post840917)
is it really being anal? it really isn't too much to ask to have the English language written correctly - senz stepped up and acknowledged the typo - no harm, no foul. one of the reasons people at this school, and everywhere else for that matter, do not get respect is that people write and speak like morons (this is not directed at you by any means, senz) - that goes from the profs on down to the student body, especially. I am particularly referring to those profs whose first language is English. Just because you are in a science-based professional school doesn't excuse a lack of proficiency in one's mother tongue, nor does it give us licence to bastardize it in the manner that I hear SMU students do every day. Is it really a lot to ask? I shudder to think that there are students who are going to go out to clinicals and beyond and think that rampant spelling mistakes and using it's and its interchangeably is OK. It's not - it just tells me that you are either dumb, ignorant or both. The rant might be a tad anal, but who's kidding who? I am not the only one who thinks this way.


Hi a few minor corrections for the betterment of the English language Big. Is (should have been capitalized at the beginning of the sentence) (It in the next sentence should have been capitalized) (After the word correctly there should have been a period at the end of the sentence) (Senz should be the beginning of a new sentence and should also have been capitalized).

As you can see we are not perfect even when we try and critize others. If you live in a glass house don't be the first to throw that stone. Ciao

[gschneid]

now breath . feel much better ? I hope this venting helps you earn the grade you want on your upcoming exams. I'll be a punching bag if it means that you will earn a higher score.

but hey guess what. No one can be perfect. No one can speak or write english perfectly nor can any one truly master any art. Whether it be academic, technical, or athletic. People are always bound to make mistakes.

It's actually spelled b-r-e-a-t-h-e. I agree with bignshiny. It's a shame that people can't speak or spell their native language. If English is your second language some slack can be cut. It immediately undercuts any credibility one may have when basic words are mispelled. For the record, I would put a lot of money on the table that bignshiny would wipe the floor with you on any exam, azul.

[azulpanther]

It's actually spelled b-r-e-a-t-h-e. I agree with bignshiny. It's a shame that people can't speak or spell their native language. If English is your second language some slack can be cut. It immediately undercuts any credibility one may have when basic words are mispelled. For the record, I would put a lot of money on the table that bignshiny would wipe the floor with you on any exam, azul.




hahahaha. you are right about alot of things. English is not my 1st language, and bigshiny would prolly wipe the floor with me on any exam. Instead of putting up money just give me 20% and keep the rest for yourself.

[WSUCougar]

leyts ceap thiz onn topec :cool:

on dealing with the DAP program

[Bignshiny]

ur ryte WSU - i be apallogyzeng 4 throwin' down like that. however, it did need to be said somewhere, and there's no time like the present.

Now back to our regularly scheduled thread . . .

[WSUCougar]

ur ryte WSU - i be apallogyzeng 4 throwin' down like that. however, it did need to be said somewhere, and there's no time like the present.

Now back to our regularly scheduled thread . . .

thanks :cool:

the only thing that bugs me about the whole "grammar" issue, is when some of our questions in our block exams don't make any sense, and have misspellings/tangent sentences all over the place. There was even a couple of our questions in the last block exams that stopped mid-sentence... without even asking a question :shock: LOL... then there would be only one answer that would finish the sentence.

Now.... DAP here we come... :cool:

I really hope this DAP works out for us, especially since our next Block exams are a week away.

[butterflymd]

Agreed Cougar. More information on DAP. I was informed that the school will be finalizing with a private lender rather the DAP program and we should know from the school by no later than the 24th. I called a couple of times and informed them that students are at a standstill and that right now we are down to the wire with the Fall semester right around the corner with new incoming students not having any financial options other than Davenport it makes it a little difficult to decide on whether to attend SMU in the Fall.

[WSUCougar]

Agreed Cougar. More information on DAP. I was informed that the school will be finalizing with a private lender rather the DAP program and we should know from the school by no later than the 24th. I called a couple of times and informed them that students are at a standstill and that right now we are down to the wire with the Fall semester right around the corner with new incoming students not having any financial options other than Davenport it makes it a little difficult to decide on whether to attend SMU in the Fall.

thanks for the info.... that would really good news, if it is correct. Having a private lender, would be a huge advantage over the school starting only the DAP, especially since obviously it would just be a temporary band-aid to the issue.

[JTP73]

Agreed Cougar. More information on DAP. I was informed that the school will be finalizing with a private lender rather the DAP program and we should know from the school by no later than the 24th. I called a couple of times and informed them that students are at a standstill and that right now we are down to the wire with the Fall semester right around the corner with new incoming students not having any financial options other than Davenport it makes it a little difficult to decide on whether to attend SMU in the Fall.And did anyone care? I've called Student Accounts over 5 times without a return call. And I repeat...

[senz_asian]

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE PARTICIPATION.... fiuuuu, we got over the grammar issue.


From now to the 24th let's stick together here and inform everyone how our financial future will turn out.

Keep us posted! thanks again! :)

[butterflymd]

JTP believe me they are very concerned I have spoken with MM, DS and the other director person. I also spoke with Dr. D and they assured me that there will be news on the new program to students no later than the 24th. They would not release the information prior to that point because everything had not been finalized and would have been premature to mislead students. They care and like all of us are concerned about the hopelessness that is the US economy. Several changes have taken place on Higher Education Act and HR5714 that are due to be announced on July 1st.

Hopefully with that announcement will come changes with trying to add other caribbean schools to title IV funding. I have been in contact with the National Education Council in Washington DC and they have been trying to push legislation through for this to happen. for approximately 5 years. Let's hope that this happens. Senator Ted Kennedy was largely responsible for asking changes to take place in the Higher Education Act but we all know that he is currently ill. Let's stay tuned to these 2 dates June 24th and July 1st 2008.

[senz_asian]

I pray for a solution to come through quickly, .. and it would be a major step forwards if we can get title IV funding for SMU, and I strongly believe that we are worth it.


Our prayers are with Senator Kennedy, let's hope he'll be back on his feet soon.


JTP believe me they are very concerned I have spoken with MM, DS and the other director person. I also spoke with Dr. D and they assured me that there will be news on the new program to students no later than the 24th. They would not release the information prior to that point because everything had not been finalized and would have been premature to mislead students. They care and like all of us are concerned about the hopelessness that is the US economy. Several changes have taken place on Higher Education Act and HR5714 that are due to be announced on July 1st.

Hopefully with that announcement will come changes with trying to add other caribbean schools to title IV funding. I have been in contact with the National Education Council in Washington DC and they have been trying to push legislation through for this to happen. for approximately 5 years. Let's hope that this happens. Senator Ted Kennedy was largely responsible for asking changes to take place in the Higher Education Act but we all know that he is currently ill. Let's stay tuned to these 2 dates June 24th and July 1st 2008.

[cavalletti]

Hopefully with that announcement will come changes with trying to add other caribbean schools to title IV funding. I have been in contact with the National Education Council in Washington DC and they have been trying to push legislation through for this to happen. for approximately 5 years. Let's hope that this happens.

I wouldn't count on this being the solution to your immediate problem. If it happens, it won't be fast.

[JTP73]

JTP believe me they are very concerned I have spoken with MM, DS and the other director person. I also spoke with Dr. D and they assured me that there will be news on the new program to students no later than the 24th. They would not release the information prior to that point because everything had not been finalized and would have been premature to mislead students. They care and like all of us are concerned about the hopelessness that is the US economy. Several changes have taken place on Higher Education Act and HR5714 that are due to be announced on July 1st.

Hopefully with that announcement will come changes with trying to add other caribbean schools to title IV funding. I have been in contact with the National Education Council in Washington DC and they have been trying to push legislation through for this to happen. for approximately 5 years. Let's hope that this happens. Senator Ted Kennedy was largely responsible for asking changes to take place in the Higher Education Act but we all know that he is currently ill. Let's stay tuned to these 2 dates June 24th and July 1st 2008.Thanks for the info. I sure hope something positive happens soon.

[azulpanther]

wow title IV funding would be awesome. I cant imagine being a practicing physician and being below the poverty line due to all of these loans we have to pay back

[butterflymd]

Ok now we should really be up in arms spoke with the school and they are starting that they will release the new loan information in the beginning of July because they are still finalizing the terms of it. This is absolutely ridiculous. Arrgggghhh :evil:

[JTP73]

Ok now we should really be up in arms spoke with the school and they are starting that they will release the new loan information in the beginning of July because they are still finalizing the terms of it. This is absolutely ridiculous. Arrgggghhh :evil:From where did this information come?

[WSUCougar]

I called FA this morning, and they're saying that hopefully they'll hear about the new loan program, which is through a Private Lender this week or in 2 weeks.

[kkSherwani]

yeah spoke with FA as well.. just told me to keep waiting... and they'd give us a call when they had everything finalized...

sigh...

[MadameMedecin]

Boo SMU! :(

[azulpanther]

well i aint surprised. Its a waiting game. They tell us to study and wait. study and wait. Well how can we study if we dont know how we are going to pay for school.

[gschneid]

Worry about the things you can control.

Can anyone imagine the uproar if they released info before it was finalized and then it changed? Be patient.

[DrCannoli]

As long as the info is out before immigration is due I am cool but the sooner the better

[senz_asian]

I am very nervous... because I dont know how picky the requirements will be!:(

[DrCannoli]

Well I don't think it will be that picky....they need to accommodate a large number of students with vast amount of financial qualifications

[Future MD | DM erutuF]

Guys relax, this isn't something that can be done overnight. Take this news as a good sign: they are actually giving a poop and finalizing things to make sure EVERYTHING goes smoothly for the most amount of students possible. I'm pretty sure they have to tell their investors they're going to have to give up some money for the time being, and I think part of the wait is convincing them to do so. It's not a 1-dimensional situation here.

[WSUCougar]

I am very nervous... because I dont know how picky the requirements will be!:(

well... its a private lender. So don't be expecting another "Health Express", where you can apply without a co-signer for almost 70,000 for three semesters and avg credit.

especially with how the US financial market has been...

[smu79]

well... its a private lender. So don't be expecting another "Health Express", where you can apply without a co-signer for almost 70,000 for three semesters and avg credit.

indeed, especially with the financial problems we are currently having in the US.

The funny thing is that those students who cant/wont get their loans approved through this lender will cry foul and blame it on the school. I can already smell it "they should have gotten a less strict loan lender".

[gschneid]

indeed, especially with the financial problems we are currently having in the US.

The funny thing is that those students who cant/wont get their loans approved through this lender will cry foul and blame it on the school. I can already smell it "they should have gotten a less strict loan lender".

Haha! I agree. I want to blame the school for the rainy weather too.

[camryllionareMD]

I just know that somewhere in my lineage I'm related to either the Hilton's or Sam Walton. I just have to do more research :)

[the_punisher]

i'm a little confused... when the school said that it was a DIRECT assistance program… what did they mean my Direct? Maybe it was just me but I thought that the word DIRECT meant that the assistance was coming DIRECTLY from the school…

So I guess it’s not a DAP but a IDAP ( INdirect Assistance Program )…. But I guess in a game of “words” they could say that it’s Directly from a loan company… so it’s still a DAP… oh well… lets just hope that this loan company works out…

[WSUCougar]

i'm a little confused... when the school said that it was a DIRECT assistance program… what did they mean my Direct? Maybe it was just me but I thought that the word DIRECT meant that the assistance was coming DIRECTLY from the school…

So I guess it’s not a DAP but a IDAP ( INdirect Assistance Program )…. But I guess in a game of “words” they could say that it’s Directly from a loan company… so it’s still a DAP… oh well… lets just hope that this loan company works out…

After talking to FA, it is my understanding that "originally" the Admin was going to develop the Direct Assistance Program, that was being fronted and established through the School.

Then..... this semester, they were able to develop a new loan program with a "private" lender instead, hence..... us waiting another couple of weeks while they get the terms, etc finalized.

[quickmart123]

Does anyone know how these loan companies will be checking your loan eligibility?? The reason I ask is because I found out today that my "FICO" score is like 588 mostly due to high credit card balance...but i have no other problems like 30+ day late payments etc...which is what TERI loan usually goes off of.

[WSUCougar]

Does anyone know how these loan companies will be checking your loan eligibility?? The reason I ask is because I found out today that my "FICO" score is like 588 mostly due to high credit card balance...but i have no other problems like 30+ day late payments etc...which is what TERI loan usually goes off of.

I don't know... but I'd try and get a co-signer in your back pocket as a safety net.

[the_punisher]

After talking to FA, it is my understanding that "originally" the Admin was going to develop the Direct Assistance Program, that was being fronted and established through the School.

Then..... this semester, they were able to develop a new loan program with a "private" lender instead, hence..... us waiting another couple of weeks while they get the terms, etc finalized.

Did they tell you any reason as to why they didn’t go thru with DAP and instead went with this new private company only… I mean… if they had planned to create a DAP then why not go thru with it even if we got a new loan company… this way if a few people here and there do not get approved by this new company would have something to turn to…
Maybe this Is not a good analogy or maybe I’m just hungry…. but it seems like they were trying to cook chicken with all the perfect ingredients but somewhere along the way, that chicken got switched with some noodle soup….

[azulpanther]

Did they tell you any reason as to why they didn’t go thru with DAP and instead went with this new private company only… I mean… if they had planned to create a DAP then why not go thru with it even if we got a new loan company… this way if a few people here and there do not get approved by this new company would have something to turn to…
Maybe this Is not a good analogy or maybe I’m just hungry…. but it seems like they were trying to cook chicken with all the perfect ingredients but somewhere along the way, that chicken got switched with some noodle soup….



and alot of other posters would have no problem with this. they will merely say, hey its a caribbean school, if u dont like it transfer out. Or they will say blame on the US market, it aint the school's fault it rained.

The school has to make sure that it can help all of its students. not 85% but all.

[senz_asian]

If we got both private loans and loans from the school.. that will certainly help out a heck lot more students including the international ones. .... well,.. once again we are trying to put our hands into the schools pocket,.. and they will certainly slap us.


just have our fingers crossed and hope for the best,.. we else can we do more.

[BTP Julian]

SGA hasnt heard anything regarding this...so i wouldnt believe anything until its finalized

[WSUCougar]

SGA hasnt heard anything regarding this...so i wouldnt believe anything until its finalized

They would if they just called the FA department. :cool:

I do agree though that speculation, etc before everything is announced should be held to a minimal.

[senz_asian]

Hummm .. NO later than the 24th huhh .... is the new loan now flat on the EKG ? What's going on down there now, except the new videos added on the website ?

[butterflymd]

It is the FA office directly who had given out the 24th as the date that they would announce the new financial aid option. When called on the 24th they changed their tune yet again. Way to communicate.

[gschneid]

Wow, you people have zero flexibility. You take everything as if it were set in stone. I'm sure the process of securing a lender is a little more difficult than:
SMU: "Hello bank, do you want to lend our students money?"
Bank: "Sure, that sounds good."
SMU: "Cool, it's a deal." <handshake>

How are some of you going to handle being a doctor if you can't roll with the punches? I'm sure you would still complain about the situation even if the school sent an email saying, "We're still working on it. Keep waiting." That's communication, isn't it?

My guess is that these people are the types that puke before exams. Wound too tight

[WSUCougar]

Wow, you people have zero flexibility. You take everything as if it were set in stone. I'm sure the process of securing a lender is a little more difficult than:
SMU: "Hello bank, do you want to lend our students money?"
Bank: "Sure, that sounds good."
SMU: "Cool, it's a deal." <handshake>

How are some of you going to handle being a doctor if you can't roll with the punches? I'm sure you would still complain about the situation even if the school sent an email saying, "We're still working on it. Keep waiting." That's communication, isn't it?

My guess is that these people are the types that puke before exams. Wound too tight

I agree that securing a loan company is a very difficult process, especially with the market the way it is. I don't blame SMU for the loan situation we have right now, it's not their fault. And I'm all about "rolling with the punches", that's why if the communication was better we would have "adequate time" to roll and adapt.

A lot of students just want to be informed on what to expect. When FA department says they're just finalizing details and will release info June 24th, what's the big deal about sending out a quick e-mail stating "the process is taking longer than expected, or we are going a different direction in terms of funding, so stay patient the next couple of weeks" I would be fine with that too.

We have plenty of room for being "flexible", but what if the tables are turned? If I told them "sorry I can't pay for tuition right now", would the school roll with the punches and be patient with me. No.... I would get fined, my account placed on hold, and receive constant payment reminders. Which is understandable, because that's what I would do if I were SMU Admin. But, you can't get upset at a few students for wanting to hear updated info before its get closer to the end of the semester.

Don't get me wrong, I understand your viewpoint though. This is extremely easy to blow out of proportion. Hopefully two weeks from now we can all make fun of each other for crying like a bunch of babies and move on. I know this, because sometimes when I'm bored I read some of my OLD posts, and think to myself. "man what made me act like a 2 year old on this day" ;).

[gschneid]

I agree that securing a loan company is a very difficult process, especially with the market the way it is. I don't blame SMU for the loan situation we have right now, it's not their fault. And I'm all about "rolling with the punches", that's why if the communication was better we would have "adequate time" to roll and adapt.

A lot of students just want to be informed on what to expect. When FA department says they're just finalizing details and will release info June 24th, what's the big deal about sending out a quick e-mail stating "the process is taking longer than expected, or we are going a different direction in terms of funding, so stay patient the next couple of weeks" I would be fine with that too.

We have plenty of room for being "flexible", but what if the tables are turned? If I told them "sorry I can't pay for tuition right now", would the school roll with the punches and be patient with me. No.... I would get fined, my account placed on hold, and receive constant payment reminders. Which is understandable, because that's what I would do if I were SMU Admin. But, you can't get upset at a few students for wanting to hear updated info before its get closer to the end of the semester.

Don't get me wrong, I understand your viewpoint though. This is extremely easy to blow out of proportion. Hopefully two weeks from now we can all make fun of each other for crying like a bunch of babies and move on. I know this, because sometimes when I'm bored I read some of my OLD posts, and think to myself. "man what made me act like a 2 year old on this day" ;).
If the communication was better we still wouldn't know anything solid. So I'd just as soon wait until they know something for sure instead of them saying to keep waiting. Is it really considered communication if there is no new information? That's my main point here.
I don't think your "tables turned" scenario applies here. We came to SMU because they are providing a service that we are seeking. This means that they are in control and it is perfectly reasonable for them to withhold that service for lack of payment. I just don't see how that is relevant.

[WSUCougar]

If the communication was better we still wouldn't know anything solid. So I'd just as soon wait until they know something for sure instead of them saying to keep waiting. Is it really considered communication if there is no new information? That's my main point here.

to me, yes it is. Because it keeps people from assuming "worse case scenarios." Especially when we are nearly a month away from the end of this semester. I'm as laid back and easy going as it gets, but I also like to have at least somewhat of a clue of what to expect in the future.
.............

[AmericanIMG]

even the US private loan system is falling apart. not SMUs fault people. seriously. everyday the economy gets worse and worse because our govt is doing a bad job. what can the school do?

[M.E the MD]

I know its not SMU's fault but what they have a tendency to do is wait like 2 weeks before the new semester starts and then make the announcement which is way too late for any action to take. I rather them just say we are most likely screwed so please find your own way of financing your tuition.

[WSUCougar]

I know its not SMU's fault but what they have a tendency to do is wait like 2 weeks before the new semester starts and then make the announcement which is way too late for any action to take. I rather them just say we are most likely screwed so please find your own way of financing your tuition.

I agree. this is basically one of the main comments that I've been hearing from numerous classmates, and numerous people sending me pms. People are all about "rolling with the punches" its just that we at least want to "see the punch, before we get hit". Whether it is good or bad

I understand we still have some time before this semester is over, but we are pretty much getting close enough to the end, where the school can judge the likely hood of something being implemented.

[AmericanIMG]

do you guys realize that many companys (like doctor's choice) say everything is ok, everything is ok, then suddenly drop their programs w/o notice? Think Financial just did it, as did several other companies. do your homework people.

[the_punisher]

do you guys realize that many companys (like doctor's choice) say everything is ok, everything is ok, then suddenly drop their programs w/o notice? Think Financial just did it, as did several other companies. do your homework people.

how are you paying for next semester?

[smu79]

how are you paying for next semester?

with FA monies that i will receive from SMU.:)

[AmericanIMG]

how are you paying for next semester?

private loans (i'm in the Davenport program). they are actually better then any loan that you would get through SMU (if you have a good cosigner of course).

[senz_asian]

Looks like the Big news is coming.... let's pray together guys!!