Stung by the loss of their needed aid money, some UB students are preparing to fight.

Affected students, together with the assistance of SBI Legal Assistance, are looking into taking legal action against the university for a financial aid policy change the university adopted in June.

“I can say that SBI Legal is strongly considering bringing legal action to make the university undo their change and provide affected students with money as soon as possible,” said Brendan James Gilbert, director of SBI Legal Assistance.

Vice provost and dean of undergraduate education Michael Ryan told The Spectrum in its Oct. 9 issue that the shift was made due to a change in federal guidelines.

“We had to make the change in the financial aid policy in order to be in compliance with federal guidelines,” Ryan said. “The federal government has a set of standards for financial aid eligibility and we must follow them.”

Beginning June 13, UB changed its financial aid policy, leaving an estimated 2,000 students without the option of financial aid – meaning that more students than ever before are lacking a means to pay for school.

The new financial aid policy makes it harder for students to be eligible for federal aid. Students now need a 70 percent completion rate, as opposed to the previous rate of 65 percent, and must have within 150 percent of the institution’s required credits for graduation, which at UB is 180 hours.

Also, the calculated number of credits is now cumulative. Previously, only completed credits were taken into consideration for financial aid. Now incompletes, resignations, withdrawals and failures count against the student when calculations are made as to whether to award aid.

UB attributed the change in policy to federal law, stating that it wasn’t the university’s decision but rather something that needed to be done to stay within the guidelines of federal regulations.

However, it was later determined by SBI Legal that the parts of the policy that UB changed were not, in fact, part of the federal regulations.

“Federal guidelines only state general terms for [Satisfactory Academic Progress]. Students only need to be within 150 percent of the required credits to graduate and must comply with the institution’s set percentage of credit completion,” Gilbert said. “UB changed the financial aid policy on its own discretion. Nowhere in the federal guidelines are UB’s new guidelines outlined.”

Legal has received estimates that between $360,000 and $380,000 have been withheld from students because of the policy change.

Students are now looking for a way to make UB accountable for its actions.

“We want to do something about this injustice,” said Rashod Coston, a senior biomedical sciences and psychology major. “It’s not fair and it’s not right. We’re going to fight for the funds that we have a right to.”

If the students and SBI Legal decide to take legal action against UB, they would do so under New York State administrative law, article 78, which is part of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules.

“Basically there is no broken law or rule. Article 78 just gives you the ability to challenge government officials’ actions in New York and get them in front of a court,” Gilbert said.

While UB hasn’t broken the law or stepped beyond its bounds, the law states that a state agency, such as UB, can be challenged about any decision.

“It’s important that everyone knows how much of a wrong this is,” Coston said.
According to Gilbert, the whole point of taking legal action is to give students a venue to voice their distaste with the university’s policy change in a neutral venue.

“When the court examines [the issue] they may look at [what article 78 states as] ‘whether a determination was arbitrary and capricious or an abuse of discretion.’ If [the court] finds it was, then they might declare that [the policy] should be revoked or changed,” Gilbert said.
SBI Legal is hopeful for a change in the decision, as are students, though they are still in the process of building a case and gathering information.

Affected students can e-mail sbilegal@buffalo.edu or visit their office to file a report.

Here are the eight scams that all of you college students should avoid. Be skeptical of everything that sounds too good t be true.
—————————————-
1. Bogus Scholarship Help

Some companies prey on incoming college students by promising to find scholarships to pay for their schooling. Typically, this involves the student (and more importantly, the parents) attending a seminar that promises “insider information” that will get students the perfect scholarship. The company then uses high-pressure sales techniques to get you to pay on the spot for its services. But, according to the Federal Trade Commission, here are some signs that this might be a scam:

The company offers a money-back guarantee that you’ll get a scholarship. No company can guarantee what a legitimate scholarship committee will decide…

MORE >>>> http://globaleducationsearch.com/online-degree-articles/beware-college-students-8-scholarship-scams/

Students today are getting an increasingly raw deal. The recession has affected young people across the board. Graduating students must contend with serious job shortages across almost all industries, while younger students are being shaken down for even more cash.

Yahoo news reports that the average cost of tuition at a public four year college has risen 6.5% this fall. Their findings are conveyed in the College Board’s “Trends in College Pricing” report, released on Tuesday. The cost of a year at a private college, already notoriously expensive, has risen 4.4% to $26,273.

These prices, while average, are variable. Some students attending schools in California, Florida and New York have seen increases that double the average. However, more positive effects of the recession have been felt; the University of Maryland has frozen their tuition costs and some students found they paid considerably less when factoring in financial aid. When including financial aid, the costs of an average year at college remain higher than last year, but lower than five years ago, proving that the recession may have scared some colleges into cheaper costs, encouraged more students to apply for financial aid or raised the financial aid available. A companion report shows that there were increases in financial aid from the government and after financial aid; community college is virtually free to the 40% of the college popular who attend.

MORE >>>> http://www.top-colleges.com/blog/2009/10/20/up-up-and-away-college-tuition-rising-to-unreachable-heights/

• Adam Smith University
• Almeda University
• American Central University
• American Pacific Western International University
• American State University
• American World University
• Ashford University (London)
• Ashwood University
• Belford University
• Brentwick University

MORE >>>> http://www.globaleducationsearch.com/fake-colleges/diploma-mills-warning-signs/

You have a $120,000 college degree and no job. That won’t stop your student loan bills from arriving.

The six-month grace period on student loans for the class of 2009 is about to expire, meaning this year’s graduates will soon start getting their monthly statements. It could be a problem for those who have yet to find full-time work. Others who graduated earlier may also be struggling.

One option for anyone in a financial squeeze is deferment or forbearance, which allow for the postponement of payment under select circumstances.

“These are really important options for people who are struggling,” said Edie Irons, a spokeswoman for the Project on Student Debt, an advocacy group based in Berkeley, Calif.
There will likely be repercussions, but none as damaging as if you consistently make late payments or let loans lapse into default. So if you need extra time to pay your loans, here’s what you need to know.

Who’s eligible?

A deferment or forbearance is a period when payments on a loan are not required, although interest generally continues accruing. The difference between the two is that the term “deferment” is used in specific situations with federal loans.

Most people know federal student loans can be deferred if you enroll in graduate school or the military. But you can also get a deferment for unemployment or economic hardship.

To qualify for the latter, you can’t earn more than $16,245 a year in the continental United States. You’re also automatically eligible if you get public assistance.

If you don’t qualify for a deferment, you might still be able to postpone payments if you’re dealing with health issues or other circumstances. The government calls this a forbearance; private lenders use the term for any type of postponement they grant.

With private loans, the lender has the discretion to grant forbearance.

Sallie Mae, the biggest issuer of private student loans, says its agents interview borrowers to assess whether forbearance is an appropriate solution.

It’s worth noting that Sallie Mae is granting forbearance less frequently than in the past. At the end of the second quarter, 6.5 percent of its private loans were in forbearance, compared to 13 percent the same time a year ago.

Patricia Christel, a Sallie Mae spokeswoman, said the company is trying harder work out payment arrangements rather than immediately using forbearance as a solution.
How long will it last?

Economic hardship deferments are granted one year at a time, while unemployment deferments are granted in six-month increments. You can reapply as needed for a total of three years each.

That means you could get an unemployment deferment for three years, then an economic hardship deferment for another three years. The deferments don’t have to be used continuously.

You could also reset the time limits on deferments if you consolidate a loan, since it’s essentially a new loan, said Irons of the Project on Student Debt.

The terms for federal loans are tailored to specific situations, so there are no set rules on how long they last. Expect less leniency on private loans. Sallie Mae grants them in one- to three-month increments, typically for no more than two years.

What are the drawbacks?

These measures should be used as a last resort, since interest generally continues accruing on the loan.

One way to minimize the financial impact is to pay the interest costs while your loan is in deferment or forbearance. Otherwise, it will be added to the loan amount and push up what you ultimately owe.

For example, let’s say your principal loan amount is $15,000 with a 9 percent interest rate.
Your monthly payments after a 12-month deferment would be $207 if you didn’t pay interest during the deferral, versus $190 a month if you did. That’s assuming you’re repaying the loan over 10 years.

The exception is if you have a subsidized federal loan, which is when the government picks up the cost of interest on the loan while you’re in school.

The government will also pick up the interest costs during a deferment on these loans, although it won’t for a forbearance.

Are there other options?

One alternative is picking a payment plan that reduces your monthly bill. Of course, this means it will take longer to pay off your loans, which in turn pushes up how much interest you pay.
Another relatively new option for federal loans is the Income-Based Repayment program. The program caps monthly payments at 15 percent of your earnings above a certain threshold, currently around $16,000. Those who earn less than that may not have to make any monthly payments.

Any debt remaining after 25 years is forgiven. Eligibility is determined by weighing your debt level against your income. A calculator at www.ibrinfo.org can help assess whether you qualify.

You can also change payment plans with private loans. Or your lender may be willing to rework the terms of your loan, perhaps with a lower interest rate.

What if i ignore bills?

The benefit of getting a deferment or forbearance is that your loan remains in good standing, and there is no impact on your credit report.

Otherwise, federal loans usually go into default if you don’t make payments for nine months. Sallie Mae says its private loans typically go into default after seven months.

Either way, a default sets off a chain of repercussions. It’s a black mark on your credit report, meaning it will be difficult for you to get a credit card, mortgage, or any other type of loan.
In default the entire balance of your loan becomes due. Your loan might be turned over to a collection agency, and you’ll be liable for the costs of collection.

Your wages could also be garnished, and your tax refunds could be intercepted. Student loans typically aren’t discharged with a bankruptcy, either. And once the loan is in default, you can’t get a deferment or forbearance. So don’t let it reach that point.

source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6673798.html

Always keep your eyes open to recognizing diploma mills and phony degree programs. Here is a list of points to keep in mind before choosing your course with any college or university.

– The Department of Education releases a list of accredited universities and educational institutions both at the regional and national level. Ensure the institutions in your list find a place in it.

– Those institutions which are not recognized by the Department of Education will not be considered by the US Higher Education….

MORE >>>> http://www.globaleducationsearch.com/fake-colleges/diploma-mills-warning-signs/

What its costs to get an online degree, and can I get it free or cheap? Today cost depends on the program and the college or university you choose and which degree level you are going for ( associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, MBA, doctorate or a specialized certificate ). In some cases, you may need to take part of your classes or program on campus.

MORE >>>> http://globaleducationsearch.com/online-degree-articles/how-much-does-a-online-degree-cost/

More than 15 years have gone by, but Leslie Stanford remembers how it felt to complete the correspondence course that stood between her and a GED.

“I was ecstatic,” Stanford said, looking over the official-looking “diploma” that arrived in the mail a short time later. “I’m like, ‘Finally, I can get a better job. I can go back to school and do whatever I want to now.’ ”

Stanford, who paid about $200 for the course, said she had no reason to question the validity of the diploma or the institution that awarded it. Although Clarmont School was based in Coral Springs, Fla., it maintained what school documents described as a “branch” in Columbus.

No one else questioned the diploma, either — until recently.

A few months ago, as part of a routine inspection, state workers showed up at a day-care center where Stanford had been working for years. Because of her fondness for the children and their parents, she considered it the perfect job.

The inspectors hadn’t heard of Clarmont. Further examination revealed that the now-defunct school was never chartered, or accredited, in Florida or Ohio. In other words, in the eyes of state regulators, the institution never existed.

The scenario is hardly new to officials with the Ohio Department of Education.

“A lot of these turn out to be scams or people trying to take advantage of somebody,” said Scott Blake, a spokesman for the agency.

Because Stanford’s GED — or general equivalency diploma — wasn’t deemed legitimate, the day-care center had to let her go.

“My administrator cried,” Stanford said. “I cried.”

Experts warn that schools offering bogus courses or fake degrees and diplomas are on the rise — at both the secondary and postsecondary levels — thanks in part to the growing popularity of legitimate distance-learning programs that offer instruction via the Internet.

How can students make sure they’re getting the education they’re paying for?

The Federal Trade Commission says diploma mills tend to have telltale marketing pitches:

• “Get a degree for your experience.” Legitimate schools might confer a few credits for a specific life or work experience but not a degree.

• “No studies, no exams, no attendance.” Accredited institutions, including online schools, require substantial course work.

• “Pay a flat fee.” Most reputable schools charge by the credit, course or semester.

• “Click here to order now!” Accredited schools generally don’t resort to spam or high-pressure telemarketing.

Now that she’s learned a painful lesson, Stanford intends to obtain her GED through a school recognized by the state.

The 37-year-old Columbus resident is confident she’ll bounce back, but she wonders — and worries — about other Clarmont “graduates” who’ve yet to find out that their diplomas are essentially worthless.

source: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2009/05/24/Consumer10_052409.ART_ART_05-24-09_D5_DMDTQJG.html

One of the most famous movies lines in history comes from A Streetcar Named Desire. In this movie, Blanche DuBois, a Southern Belle with a tawdry past, gently dissolves into a state of genteel madness, telling her doctors: “I have always relied on the kindness of strangers.” Hospitality is by definition the friendly reception of guests and strangers. It is much more than a friendly smile and hello, particularly in the area of hotel management. Watching A Streetcar Named Desire won’t land you a job in this field, but an online hospitality degree is a step in the right direction.

Earning an online hospitality degree simply means that a person enrolls in a university that offers distance learning and completes the courses necessary for graduation. Distance learning offers the student the freedom to attend class when it fits in best with her schedule.

People considering an online hospitality degree should write down their ultimate career goals. Do you want to work in a casino? Is the hotel industry the place you’d like to start your career? Have you decided to work in event planning and management? The answers to these questions will help with your online hospitality degree in a way that will help you get that first job.

Just like any other degree, an online hospitality degree should be earned through a university that is accredited. Competition in the tourism field is fierce and it is important that your degree be recognized in by peers in your field. Strengthen your online hospitality degree by learning a second or third language. This will make your resume stand out from the crowd.

There are more ways to see the world than by joining the Navy. An online hospitality degree could be the key to working on a cruise ship, in a hotel overseas, or with a travel agency. Don’t forget, eventually everyone relies on the kindness of strangers.

When it comes to increasing their income or employment value, most people are confused or ignorant. It has been shown time and time again, that people who have graduate degrees make on average, one million dollars more in their lifetime than their non-degreed’ counterparts. One way that busy working people can increase their value is by enrolling with an online college or university.

In this era of technological changes and the constant need for adjustment in the workplace, there is a profound need for more formal education. Employers have become accustomed to subsidizing continuing education for their best workers. Established colleges and universities have taken up the challenge and now offer online versions of many of their courses.

Many well-known universities have adopted distance learning programs. They even offer specialized courses in many fields once considered out of reach for the average postgraduate student.

Online college enrollment has increased as well due to the relative ease of applying and increased competition among schools both online and off-line. Many offer associate degrees as well as bachelor’s degrees in their curriculum.

Financing
Make no mistake; getting a full term graduate school education through an online college is as expensive as its off-line counterpart but financing is available for most students. Private student loans can cover up to 100% of higher education expenses with tuition ranging from $8000 to $45,000 a year, it is important to research your financial options.

In many countries student loans are available at low cost and are often subsidized by the government. In the US student loans of this nature are guaranteed by the Federal family education loan program if you are studying outside of the United States the global health education loan program can help with financing. Today students can choose from a wide variety of options when negotiating tuition.

Many large companies offer matching loans to help their employees cover the cost of their online education. After approved courses are chosen, the employee can opt for monthly payments deducted from their salaries or single reimbursement upon graduation to assist with the payment of the loan.

Accreditation
There are many accrediting agencies available online today. You can research online institutions directly through these companies to identify appropriate institutions for your online degree. Accreditation is an independent review of an institution’s education programs in order to establish that the curriculum offered by institutions is standardized for quality.

Many employers are willing to accept online college or university degrees because their experience has shown that its graduates are able to work independently to achieve their goals. The unique qualities that make a successful online degree graduate are usually the same qualities demanded by employers of high quality employees.

source: http://ezinearticles.com/?What-to-Look-For-in-an-Online-College-Or-University&id=2999853