My frowny-rant
So, long story short: I will not be going to graduate school at the current time. I will not be able to hold my current (very part time) job.
Long story less short: My whole process trying to figure out something with the graduate program has been EXTREMELY frustrating. The current program coordinator is in his first semester as the coordinator (though he's been at the university a while), and apparently has ZERO communication skills. Once I finally learned that I was unconditionally accepted, I had NO contact with him. I couldn't find out anything about the program, classes, registration, how much I would have to pay, when things would happen, etc. This is since May!!! I've sent countless emails, left several phone messages, talked to other faculty. One of my main issues has been trying to figure out the funding. Students get a very small stipend and scholarship, but I was never told a breakdown of exactly how much it would cover (he initially told me it covered MOST all tuition/fees), when it would go into effect, or anything else. I figured everything would fall into place, since I had basically done more than my part to try to figure these things out.
Anyway, I finally get a hold of the coordinator yesterday (which was ONE week before classes start), and he basically has no new information to willingly give me. He starts in with a barrage of complaints about his problems. TONS of excuses. He has no idea about the money, but does some calculations, and figures out it will be about ~$1300 extra per semester that is not paid for, PLUS I have to front the whole cost of the semester, because the stipend doesn't even start until October, and then it's given in small monthly increments. THIS IS NOT WHAT I WAS TOLD. I would not have entered the program knowing this information.
I have been treated like crap, and given no information throughout this whole process. Even if I decided to somehow figure out the finances, and it was doable, I would not want to be involved in this program running this way. It's ridiculous.
My current job is a student assistant position, so I'm no longer eligible, but I hope there can be something done to get me back in the office at some point. (there's a hiring freeze/lots of budget crap going on campus, but everyone in the office has been very helpful/caring)
I'm basically back where I started, but at least I didn't shell out thousands of dollars without any answers.
That's what's been going on for those of you who have wondered/asked. <3
That is horrible. I don't know what to tell you. I have had my experiences with people at my University not talking to me, but nothing like that. I'm so sorry you can't go to school now because of all that.
oh wow that is a horribly messed up situation!!
it all sounded so good, starting studying again, the job fitting in around everything, I was so happy for you!!
Totally crap. I don't know what else to say? What do you plan to do now, or is it too soon after finding this stuff out to know? Boo.
Totally gutted for you!! : /
oh man, that sucks so bad! sorry to hear that you are in an awful situation, again. i hope things look up soon!
oh, AC that sucks. So sorry!!
At first i was hoping that you'd work things out with being in that program, but you're right. If that's the way everything runs there, it's not worth it. Though clearly something works sometimes if they have students...
Sometimes schools' disorganization is baffling. Lack of communication, late notices, no one being in charge and no one knowing who's in charge, etc, yet if a student is late on one thing or doesn't magically know the process, it's the student's fault. It sounds like you did absolutely everything you could. At least you have that - knowing that there wasn't one step that you missed or something else you could have done.
I don't know what your program was for, but is this school the only place in your area for it? It sounds like it is; that sucks big time.
=(
I had a similar thing happen with my financial aid for a school too. I appealed for more aid at the beginning of summer, and was told by the financial aid officer person that basically anyone who appeals gets an extra so-many-thousand. However, the group that decides on the cases met once a month, and because I didn't have the paper work in on time for their first meeting (it had to be a month in advance? for some reason. and they didn't publish the deadline), i had to wait until the second meeting. Then their meeting was delayed. Then I found out, a week before the semester started, that I couldn't get any extra aid. It's not like I was a rich person just trying to see if I could get free money, but would be able to attend regardless. I wound up having a semester off while I worked full time, and eventually transferred to a different school.
I was so on top of my paperwork for the second school that the student services staff knew my name for the rest of my three years there. Other students were late and lazy with everything, I'd always show up on the first day a form was available to turn it in. But hey, I graduated.
AC~
What. The. Hell?! That is really sucky as I know you were looking forward to getting on with your chosen path. Can you submit some sort of complaint against this person?? I would. His handling of the whole process is a horrible reflection on the entire school and I'm sure the people in charge would want to know.
AC~
What. The. Hell?! That is really sucky as I know you were looking forward to getting on with your chosen path. Can you submit some sort of complaint against this person?? I would. His handling of the whole process is a horrible reflection on the entire school and I'm sure the people in charge would want to know.
Thanks all. <3
Well, I talked to the person who is immediately above him, and it was basically like he was protecting the coordinator somewhat, while trying to be slightly understanding. I plan to go to the dean of graduate studies, and explain the situation.
I dunno what's next other than waiting to see if anything can come from my current office. After that, I do not know!
poop. i'm sorry that happened to you :[
That really blows... Almost every administrative person I have come in contact with throughout the college process was a huge asshole... To the point I even cried about it and I would always have to try to figure everything out myself to avoid getting bitched at... Fuck school, I'm glad the whole things over and done with... I'm sorry about all of this I hope it all works out... Do you know anyone that goes to that school, maybe they can help or offer advice?!?
I'm so sorry. I'm here if anyone requires an ass-kicking.
A bit of good news today. My boss was able to get the job status transferred from a graduate assistant position-->part time position (I really didn't think the University would allow it!), so I get to keep the job as is. There's a small possibility of a full time position some time in the future, but this is good news for now.
AC I'm so sorry, there is nothing worse than being dicked around by administration! I'm so glad to hear there is a silver lining on the job front, and really hope that there can be a good outcome on the study front, even if it's just the school having to sort their shit out. Big hugs, thinking of you.
Yay for a small win!! Now, let's just get a few more of those your way.
oh I'm stoked you get to keep your job! And if there's a chance of increasing your hours that's great!
I mean, the whole thing still bites, but it's nice to have some positive action!
: )
I'm so sorry that happened to you, AC! That really sucks! I can't believe that man is actually in charge. It sounds like he shouldn't be in charge of rocks, let alone anything important!
My niece had a lot of trouble with her financial aid this year as well. She is 19 and they lied to her about how much she would get, etc. She ended up having to drop UConn and go to community college for now, but she is happier without all the stress.
Sometimes things don't go as planned and often that's a good thing. I hope things work out for you the way you would like. (((hugs)))
Thanks, all. :)>>>
good thing about the job =)
Maybe by being there you can keep your foot in the door should the opportunity present itself. You know, once the crappy administrative issues are dealt with.
sorry about all the crap AC, dealing with schools, administrators. etc is such a pain in a typical situation, but him basically lying about a lot of it, and not giving you any information is a whole worse scenario!!! Especially when you have been going out of your way to get all the info. straight! What a bummer! I 'm glad you get to keep the job at least, since you like it!
Everyone I know is getting fucked over by some higher ed institution right now.
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