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St. Cloud State University
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Commentary
New enforcement on student fees just, fair, necessary for all
Published:
Monday, April 7, 2003
Just as with shoplifting, walkouts in restaurants and plagiarism, there is no reason that any person should get something for nothing.
Services cost money; that's the way life works.
Going to school is certainly no exception. It's something we pay for because we all benefit from it.
Yet some people, unfortunately, do not subscribe to this view; students currently owe SCSU more than $3.5 million in unpaid tuition and fees.
Few would argue that the life of a college student is a tough one, especially when it comes to finances. Most SCSU students work hard to make their rent, car and insurance payments each month. Even though tuition is not a monthly expense, it's equally - if not more important - than a rent or car payment.
Our college years are all about learning. In class, we get the education we need to survive in our careers; involvement in student organizations gives us the edge we need to succeed professionally; balancing work, school, homework and a social life gives us the basic life skills to survive and be successful as human beings.
In today's world, part of life means paying bills. And, whether we like it or not, whether we feel we can afford it or not, bills have to be paid on time - or else.
SCSU has been benevolent to students in the recent past to allow such leniency in students' payments of tuition and fees. While many students were probably grateful to catch a break on bill payments, too many students obviously abused this trust.
SCSU, as an institution and as a business, has to protect itself from people who do not pay for the services it provides, especially in times of severe budget cuts. We applaud the university for pledging a harder stance against those who would attempt to "rip it off." When a few SCSU students think they can enjoy every benefit of enrollment without the financial responsibilities that come along with it, we all suffer.
SCSU students should pay attention to the moral of this story. College is about learning; it's time to learn how to pay your bills on time. Even now, the penalty for not paying is "merely" forfeiture of registration privileges the following semester. At least SCSU won't shut off your phone service - or your electricity.
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