Dec. 21, 2018 was an alarming day for many Southern students. Most of us received an email from Student Finance stating that there had been an error in their system, and that we had a refund on our accounts. The glitch in the system ended up costing Southern $440, 918.
During Christmas break, many of us received a refund from the school for an overcharge of tax in dining. Seeing that made me really happy. It was such a blessing when my paycheck had run out, and I wasn’t sure how I was getting back to Southern or paying for groceries. To be fair though, I couldn’t get it right away, so I had to use my credit card.
First, let me applaud Southern. If they hadn’t been diligent about balancing books, checking things out and looking out for us, this refund would never have happened. The diligence with which our school looks out for our interest is really comforting. I know that the administration does everything it can to put our best interests first, and I’m so glad that’s the case.
On the other side of things, communication with Student Finances was a little frustrating for me after the fact. I emailed them soon after we received word about the refund. I asked that the amount be transferred to my bank account so I could use it for necessities coming back. No one got back to me, but because it was break, I let it go.
Later, after the first of the year, I called two or three times trying to talk with them, but wasn’t able to speak with anyone. It wasn’t until the end of the first week of classes that I was able to get a hold of someone. That was really frustrating to me even though, when I finally got through, I got what I needed.
I do not have a problem with the policies Southern employs in regard to finances, but I do think that the allocation of unexpected refunds from previous semesters and years should be left up to the individual students. I would rather them send an electronic forms like those for campus card uses for us to fill out and send back with our preference.
I believe if they are wanting us to become fully functional adults when we leave here, they need to give us more autonomy in decisions that affect us. Applause to Southern for their diligence, and a request for future considerations of students’ needs and desires.