New payment policy proves to be problematic

Changes to Cosumnes River College's fee payment policy have been creating problems for students, including those who are trying to enroll in classes.

The newest criteria for paying for classes became effective during the 2010 summer ssession.

After the beginning of a semester, all students are required to pay for their classes in full on the same day they were enrolled, according to the official press release on CRC's website.

Failure to do so would result in an e-mail notice stating that the payment was not received as well as automatically being dropped from an intended class.

If a student was dropped from their unpaid class, they woudln't be able to re-enroll but would still be required to immediately pay.

Crystal Woycheshin, a 24-year-old English major, said the policy should be extended.

"It's unfair that some people cannot pay for classes until they receive their upcoming pay or financial aid," Woycheshin said. "It's emotionally stressful for students who have to deal with it and maybe endure the struggle of dropping classes."

Woycheshin said more people are trying to get into classes. Students on a waiting list will likely be able to get in if someone enrolled cannot pay on time.

The policy reform was created to provide a more streamlined access for students wanting to enroll and prevent them from misinterpreting the policy, according to the press release.

Automotive technology major David Cameron, 18, said the policy is not sympathetic of students with jobs.

"Some people might be awaiting their weekly pay and if they have to pay too soon, it's going to be bad for them," Cameron said. "Ultimately, they would either have to enroll and pay for their classes early or even borrow money at the last minute."

Cameron said that financial aid students could also be affected by the policy forcing them to make wiser decisions and sacrifices.

Melissa Jarquin, an 18-year-old sonography major, is waiting to enroll in a class and is currently employed, but was a bit worried if her work status changes and the policy got in the way.

"Although it's a bit easy to pay when having a job but if something happened, there is a certain challenge," Jarquin said. "I hope in the future that they would change the policy to accommodate everyone especially those who might not be able to pay immediately."