UMUC University of Maryland University College Incompetence and Laziness in Office of Financial Aid and Student Services Adelphi Maryland

In the spring term, I withdrew from the Graduate School and enrolled in a program in the Undergraduate School. I called the Financial Aid office to ask if I needed to reapply for aid as an undergrad. I was told that my aid had already been calculated, and there was nothing I needed to do.

After my aid did not disburse in January, I called again to inquire. I was told that since one of my classes did not begin until March 17, my aid would not disburse until then because I would then be at half-time status.

This Tuesday, I noticed that my aid still had not disbursed, so I called again. I was told that it would appear on my student account at the end of the day. When it still didn't appear, I called again. That time I was told it would disburse on Thursday.

Frustrated, I called back to speak with a supervisor. I inquired if the problem could be stemming from the fact that I was initially awarded as a grad student. The supervisor told me that my aid would not disburse because I was awarded as a grad student and had to be repackaged as an undergraduate. She expedited my case.

Today I received a past due notice from the Office of Student Accounts. I also just received a notice from the FAO that I had been awarded. However, when I went to my Student Account, no award is listed, and there is an overdue balance.

I began this program after a UMUC representatives gave me incorrect information regarding my financial aid status.  Now that I have completed one course, I find out that I must pay for it out-of-pocket. Also, my next course is due to start on Monday, and since I HAD BEEN TOLD BY UMUC REPRESENTATIVES that I was getting financial aid, I have made no other arrangements to pay my tuition.

Also, the supervisor overseeing my case never saw fit to contact me directly to explain the status.  Instead, I get an auto-response email at 2AM sending to my Student Account where I notice a bursar hold and no financial aid.  This is a completely unacceptable way to treat students and an irresponsible way of conducting business.

Had I known that I was not eligible for financial aid in January (WHEN I ASKED), I probably would not have enrolled in courses at this time. Furthermore, it is ridiculous that I, and not UMUC representatives, had figure out the problem!  UMUC basically lied to me about my financial obligations, and now I have a past due account and will have to withdraw from classes. I cannot believe the way they have created such an upsetting situation for me!