Questionable methods of financial help bother students
Shannon Johnson
Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: DSC News
Some students at Dixie State College feel unethical methods may determine how financial help is awarded.
Becky Muir, a sophomore education major from Las Vegas, said it's all about knowing the right people.
She said back in 2007 the power went out at her brother's apartment complex in the middle of the summer. York Butler, the head of financial aid at the time, was in the same complex, and Muir's brother invited Butler to go to his basement apartment where it was cooler. Her brother mentioned that he and Muir were struggling to pay for school, and Butler later gave them both $500 grants.
"My brother got all different kinds of scholarships because he knew someone," Muir said. "It all depends on who you know, and it sucks that way, but if you get in good with certain people you will be fine and you can get anything you want in school."
Muir said her brother has helped her get financial help in more than one situation.
An apartment for married housing wasn't available until spring last year, and because the renters had a good relationship with her brother, Muir was offered
the apartment even though she was not at the top of the waiting list.
"The fact that they bumped us ahead of everybody else is pretty messed up," said Muir, who ended up not moving in. "There may be a family that needs that third bedroom and needs housing close to an elementary school and the college."
Seth Culler, a junior integrated studies major from Overton, Nev., said in his hometown if you have a well-known name you are often rewarded.
"It's unfair to everyone else," he said. "I don't think a well-known name or knowing someone on a first-name basis should be able to get you a scholarship more readily than someone who has the same qualifications and doesn't know the person."
However, not all students feel that way.
Andy Goll, a sophomore mathematics major from Marathon, Fla., said, "The way to get ahead in life is to make important social contacts."
Becky Muir, a sophomore education major from Las Vegas, said it's all about knowing the right people.
She said back in 2007 the power went out at her brother's apartment complex in the middle of the summer. York Butler, the head of financial aid at the time, was in the same complex, and Muir's brother invited Butler to go to his basement apartment where it was cooler. Her brother mentioned that he and Muir were struggling to pay for school, and Butler later gave them both $500 grants.
"My brother got all different kinds of scholarships because he knew someone," Muir said. "It all depends on who you know, and it sucks that way, but if you get in good with certain people you will be fine and you can get anything you want in school."
Muir said her brother has helped her get financial help in more than one situation.
An apartment for married housing wasn't available until spring last year, and because the renters had a good relationship with her brother, Muir was offered
the apartment even though she was not at the top of the waiting list.
"The fact that they bumped us ahead of everybody else is pretty messed up," said Muir, who ended up not moving in. "There may be a family that needs that third bedroom and needs housing close to an elementary school and the college."
Seth Culler, a junior integrated studies major from Overton, Nev., said in his hometown if you have a well-known name you are often rewarded.
"It's unfair to everyone else," he said. "I don't think a well-known name or knowing someone on a first-name basis should be able to get you a scholarship more readily than someone who has the same qualifications and doesn't know the person."
However, not all students feel that way.
Andy Goll, a sophomore mathematics major from Marathon, Fla., said, "The way to get ahead in life is to make important social contacts."
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