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Equal Opportunities: AUSU Advocates for Student Financial Aid Solutions

By Olivia Shepherd, AUSU VP Community and Wellness

What you’re about to read will likely sound familiar. If you haven’t experienced it yourself, maybe you’ve read about it in one of the many Athabasca University (AU) online student groups. There’s a problem with student financial aid (SFA). From government delays to inadequacies in AU’s SFA department, too many students are facing too many problems. I sat down to discuss the issue with Diana Ramirez, Vice-President of Finance and Administration (VPFA) at the Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU), and we decided to share the highlights of that chat with you today.

When did you realize students were facing issues with SFA? 

Diana: “For me, it was actually my own experience when I first enrolled at Athabasca University in November 2023.”

I also realized there was a problem when I first enrolled. As time at AU went by, it became obvious for us both that we weren’t the only students experiencing issues with SFA. Diana pointed out the Athabasca University Facebook Group where student members post regularly about SFA challenges, saying, “Oh, this isn’t just a one-off. It’s a whole systemic issue.” 

What would you say is currently the biggest issue or concern with SFA?

Diana: “It’s definitely the policy that requires students to have funding approved 30 days before their course starts. Application reviews are taking up to 45 days, so by the time I get my review done, it’s past the deadline for financial aid confirmation. That’s the reason why it’s an issue.”

I was curious and did a quick search to compare when other Alberta universities require course payments. I learned that most don’t require payment until after the course start date, often up to 30 days after. This grace period ensures students can secure funding pending government delays. Don’t pay your tuition after 30 days? Then you have to withdraw, which is more than fair. Unlike at AU, where students are forced to withdraw before the course even begins due to delays outside of their control.

What are you currently working on to help improve SFA for students?

Diana: “Two things: first, getting that policy removed and allowing students to submit payment up to 30 days after course start dates. That’s just asking AU to be on par with other universities. The second thing was one of my biggest issues when I started applying for funding.”  

I wasn’t surprised to hear what she brought up next and we commiserated over it, as many students have. The application process for student financial aid is unnecessarily confusing and difficult, especially if it’s your first time applying. 

Diana: “My first application, I made a mistake while entering my year of study. I was technically in my third year, but they wanted me to apply as a second-year student, so my funding was denied. I was delayed by a couple of months. The second time, it was denied because of the spelling of my name. I have two last names, but I only entered one. But, they should have told me this before. The first time that I applied, they should have said they noticed two issues with my application.

And there’s nobody helping you with the process side of having to apply through the funding agent. Then, you have to do course registration on the Athabasca University website and nobody explains how to do that either. You have to do step one and then step two, and sure, it’s only two things, but the process isn’t clear or straightforward.”

I agreed. The process of applying for financial aid is very frustrating, even for experienced students. The AU website has a page on how to apply, but if you find you’re still confused after reading it (we’re not judging, we’ve all been there), you can reach out to AUSU for support walking through the process.

Diana’s funding was delayed a third time when her financial aid advisor didn’t confirm her enrollment. She called the university to speak to a supervisor but was told that the discussions have to happen over email. After being sent between numerous people, she finally connected with the SFA supervisor and they had just repeated the steps of applying. But by that point, Diana simply wanted an apology and to hear some accountability taken. 

Diana: “So, to answer your question about what I’m working on, I think ultimately the communication between the SFA department and students has to be fixed. It’s not fair to treat us this way and we don’t deserve it.”

What change would you say is needed most to improve the SFA department? 

Diana: “From my perspective, and with the amount of students that have been affected, I think they need to do a complete overhaul of the department. They need to pinpoint the issues. And they need to take a really good look at their policies and how they are creating such a barrier for students to start their education.”

I couldn’t help but agree. When a situation is a one, or maybe two time occurrence, it’s difficult to chalk it up to a systemic problem. However, members of the AUSU Council have heard of, and many have personally experienced the issues of AU’s SFA policies and procedures. 

Is there anything you’d like to tell students facing issues with SFA?

Diana: “I know how frustrating it is, and how isolating it feels being an online student. But I hope students know that your Council and the Executive Team are raising our voices. We’ve been talking to the senior leadership team at AU, and we’re pressuring the university to make it right.”

Anything else you’d like to add?

Diana: “I know this blog is for students. But if anyone on the senior leadership team at AU is reading this, I hope they’re not shocked to hear how bad the situation is, because it’s happening to so many students. AU is an open institution for everyone, but they’re creating a barrier. This should be on the priority list.” 

If you’re an AU undergraduate student facing issues with SFA, or if you have any other concerns for that matter, AUSU is here to help. Please reach out to us at any time at ausu@ausu.org, and know that we will do everything we can to support you and make it right. 

Olivia Shepherd
VP Community and Wellness
AU Students’ Union
vpcw@ausu.org