EDITORIAL Clackamas Community College Page 2 Financial Aid continued from page one Financial Aid ... Where’d my money go? What would you do if you were told that the financil aid you were counting on receiving was a lesser amount than expected or worse yet, cut altogether? Recently many CCC students experienced this problem first hand. The cuts were made because of over awarding by the college. More financial aid recipients are remaining at school (instead of dropping out as the college anticipated) and as a result Perkins loan students are paying the price - not only in a figurative sense, but in an actual one also. For many of these students these cutbacks come as a big surprise and they may be unable to handle the extra expenses. Why weren’t these students told when they were offered the financial aid that such a thing as this could happen? Perhaps some of these students could have prepared themselves for such an event if they had known the possibility of cutbacks. It’s dif­ ficult to be prepared at the last minute. At least the financial aid office is being kind enough to offer its help to those students who are having difficulties. Still the pressure of com­ ing up with extra money for tuition and books maybe more than some students can handle. If you’re filing for financial aid next year, whether it’s at CCC or some other school,jtmay be to your advantage to have some sort of a “nest egg” for emergencies such as these. It might even be wise to ask the financial aid office if it’s possible that your funds could be cut at some time during the year. It’s better to be safe than sorry. -SLV- Semester Conversion... good or bad? The CCC college board is currently working on reaching a decision on whether or not the college should convert to the semester system. The decision to convert was a poor one made by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education with little research done on how it would affect the community colleges of the state. If the college was to convert to the semester system the college would be forced to spend a large amount of money to cover all of the necessary changes in curriculum which would occur. If the college were to be on the semester system many students may be discouraged from attending the college because they would be forc­ ed to spend more time in school and have less vacations throughout the year. If the college were to choose not to convert when the state colleges are converting, the community college option would be less desirable to some transfer students who may choose just to go to a four year college. The college board is being forced to make a “Catch-22” decision on who they should help. In reality the semester system would not help any of the state or community colleges in the state. The board really should re-examine their decision and see if the conversion would really benefit anyone. -MKT- “The Print” welcomes readers to express their views by writing letters to the editor. All letters should be typewritten and sub­ mitted to Student Publications in Trailer B by 5p.m. Friday before publication. Financial Aid cuts.. Students paying the price have. We all feel bad about hav­ ing to cut the awards. It’s a thing that unfortunately can’t be avoid­ ed. It is not a thing you can know ahead of time,” Scheer said. Roberts pointed out that the financial aid office will do everything they can to help the students. “If we were to do anything less than that then we really would be, I think, doing a disservice to the students.” About the amount of money that needs to be cut Fawcett stated, “The total of financial aid this year for students at Clackamas will be close to two million dollars and although this is significant, it is about one per­ cent of the financial aid the students will receive. We’ll do everything we can to help them solve the problem. But it’s still a small chunk of the total. “When you get bigger numbers it becomes even more difficult,” Roberts concluded, smiling. When your children are grown up Domestic issues When your children are all grown up And gone the world to see, When they pause to think of Mom and home What will their memories be? Will they remember a Mother Who took time from daily chores Who listened to their childish tales by Tammy Swartzendruber Columnist A mother who daily inspired them to be all that they could be. Or will they remember a mother Whomever took time to play. And will they hear your echo Not now my child, not today. For mother’s busy studying I have exams you know. I’ve ever so much work to do, Go away, my child, go. Even while she scrubbed the floors. When your children are all grown up and gone the world to see, Who stopped to kiss away their tears When they pause tothinkof Mom and home Or put a bandage on their knees; What will their memories be? Letters to the Editor Counselors: bad attitude I have had enough of the at­ titude problems in the counseling department. When I go to a counselor for guidance/1 don’t want to hear what a pain their “incompetent, unorganized, ir­ responsible...’’ fellow employees are. I can accept so­ meone having a bad day—but this attitude has plagued the department since Christmas. Back stabbing is not the solution. Voicing personal opinions to in- /GOSW, STANLEY, T CAN'T / AFFORD A TICKET.' Fl AT'LL I DO? nocent bystanders solves nothing. I realize that many structural changes have been made in the counseling area. I recognize many employees are highly displeased with the new arrangement. I understand that things are con­ fusing at the time. None the less, I do not believe that it can all be scapegoated on “Betty,” or “Patty,” or “Veterans.” I do not support the concepts of gossip, backstabbing, or negative criticism. Why don’t you people encourage each other? Why not try to come to some form of agreement? Please keep your complaints to yourself. Stop voicing them for the public. Stop blaming others and start taking responsibility for your own actions. As a counselor told me my 2nd term at CCC; “You’ve been here long enough to know how the system works—so just work with it and everything will go smoothly.” Maybe it’s time for counseling to take their own advice. Work with the system. Don’t dump your problems and attitudes on us. One fed up student. Student shows appreciation To the faculty and staff of Clackamas Community College: I have never seen a more dedicated, supportive, group of professional people. Thank you for helping me to realize my dreams. * Anonymous Student