This summer, students who had unpaid balances received fliers informing them of Financial Aid, emergency loans, installment plans, and the option to pay by credit card. Unfortunately, the fliers did not get to everyone. Angie Garcia, a freshman Education major, was dropped from her classes because someone from the Bursar's office told her that it would be okay to pay two days after the deadline. Garcia said she was willing to borrow money to pay by the deadline, if she had been given the correct information. If you go to Administration or Financial Aid with a question that requires more than a yes or no answer, you're usually referred to someone who's not even in the office at the time.
Many students prefer the convenience of online and voice registration.
The Task Force is also interested in recruiting prospective students. About 150 students, faculty, and staff will go door to door to pass out fliers with registration, class and financial aid information to the nearby Palo Alto community, said Carnes. This Block Walking event will take place on Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Anyone who is interested in participating may contact Carnes at 921-5266. The recruitment of future students also begins at an early age. Palo Alto College now sends student mentors to read to the children at Bob Hope Elementary and Palo Alto Elementary.