By Taylor Broomall (Whetstone Contributor)

 

Six-year college veteran D’Angelo Marshall was surprised to find that all of his classes from Wilmington University did not transfer to Wesley, even though he said he was told they would.

“My biggest fear was the possibility of losing credits and having to stay in school longer,” he said.  “I was told by the registrar, after reviewing my transcript, that I wouldn’t lose any credits and I could retain my rising junior status.”

It wasn’t until Marshall attempted to apply for spring classes, halfway through his “junior” year, that he was informed that he had lost 18 credits during his transfer and was considered a rising sophomore.

Students and faculty agree that there is a burden of responsibility to help students in preparation for graduation. Some question on whose shoulders the responsibility lies.

Registrar Erin Elsberry said the main problem “is that students don’t keep track of their requirements and tend to wait until the last minute to settle everything. There are not many instances of students having to return another semester for one or two classes.”

Some students acknowledge that the burden of the responsibility lies on their shoulders.

“I think I could have scheduled my classes better through the years, instead of taking unnecessary classes,” said graduating senior Erica Bryson. “I haven’t had any problems with the registrar’s office.”

Bryson, a 5-year Wesley student, says she’s happy everything is wrapping up this May.

Senior Nick Deterding is taking 19 credits and working an internship this semester to graduate on time.

“I am lucky to say the registrar’s office has been good to me for the past four years,” he says. “Though I must say I have heard plenty of stories of students not able to attend their classes due to finance issues.”

This was another problem area for Marshall, as he found out after returning from studying abroad in England. Instead of receiving a $2,000 refund for tuition costs, he found he owed an additional $3,000.

“I felt misled, I couldn’t even pay for my books.” Marshall said. “I was told something that was not true and it really messed me up.”

According the Financial Aid office, all students are given their financial information up front. Manager Mike Hall says that tuition fees “should be of no surprise to anybody who studies abroad.”

“There is a level of responsibility the students need to take,” said Dr. Jeff Gibson. “The advisers cannot be elevated to a level beyond advice and guidance. But, is it always clearly laid out? Well, I’ll say that there is another level of responsibility that the administration must take.”

He said the administration must be more willing to offer substitutions and class requirement waivers, especially for transfer students and students attempting to graduate.

Marshall is on track to finally graduate next year, if he is able to find a way to pay for two more semesters.