There is no question that the current economic situation has hit some students hard at SCAD-Atlanta. Students appear to be facing difficulties with finding jobs, paying their bills (including tuition), and are going out less.
Phylisha Phillips, a transfer fashion design student, said that she lost her job and that it took her four months to find a new one. “I’m on a loan to come to SCAD. I couldn’t pay my bills when I lost my job for four months. I couldn’t go see movies, and I couldn’t buy food,” she said.
“The fact that nobody is hiring, it’s hard to find a job. I’ve been able to only find temporary jobs. I had to get loans to pay tuition,” said Francesca Wilder, a second-year interactive design and game development student.
“In terms of going out to eat or to movies, that has not been affected. I have to save electricity and water to lower the cost of the bills.”
“I’m broke,” said Danielle Clockel, a second-year photography student. “It’s mainly getting student loans which means that a bunch of banks don’t offer student loans which means that I’m having to work while I’m going to school.”
Fortunately, Danielle said that she is working for an internship that she has been hired. “I have to pay a lot for gas and so, I have to budget.”
While some students are certainly affected by the economy issue, some simply budget their money more tightly by going out less, and some fortunately have support from their parents.
“It’s not affecting me a whole lot because my parents pay for everything. Although we are struggling, but not too badly,” said Adam White, a fourth-year animation student. Reflecting on how the tight budgets have changed his habits, White said he hasn’t gone to see movies as often as he used to, in order to compensate.
Nate Lambardi, a third-year advertising student said that he has been more cautious about his spending money. “I’m not spending on what I don’t need. Finding a job is impossible. During winter break, when I was not working for SCAD, I couldn’t find a job elsewhere,” he said.
Sophie Green, a second-year fashion design student, “My parents have been supporting me and I’m the only child. My parents have college funds.” However, Green said that when she was working at a retail place during the winter break, her hours were cut because not many people were shopping as usual.
Rachel Natali, a second-year fashion student said that she doesn’t work, but she would like to have a part-time job. Natali said though a part time job would give her extra money for activities, she has had difficulty finding a job.
“My parents support my education, but if I want to do anything outside of school, I have to pay,” Natali said.
P.J. Johnson, Vice President for SCAD-Atlanta, wrote a letter to respond to the students’ issues in financing their education at SCAD-Atlanta:
| Dear Students,
The current financial crisis has touched most Americans. Many students are likely looking for ways to cut costs and find additional funding and scholarships for their educational endeavors. Some have expressed concern about scholarship funding, increased financial aid and access to jobs.Scholarship money at SCAD is available for the next academic year. All current students may apply for scholarships online April 1 -30, 2009. Applying early always is encouraged. Students should carefully read the criteria for the scholarships before applying and provide all of the information that is requested. More information about scholarship opportunities for continuing students is available online at www.scad.edu/alumni/giving/scholarships-current-students.cfm. Additional information about scholarships for Georgia students can be found online at www.GAcollege411.org. Scholarships.com also has a listing of scholarships that are restricted to art and design students, as does the Scholarship Directory of Georgia. If students plan on using these Web sites to locate additional funding, they should be prepared to spend some time to find just the right scholarship based on the given criteria. Some other practical ways to address the issue are to consider creating a reasonable budget, cutting driving costs by using the campus shuttle as much as possible, carpooling, and reducing all nonessential expenditures. Some students may find that a job working for SCAD dining services, the SCAD bookstore or one of the many merchants on Peachtree Street may be another means of augmenting their budgets. Students who are eligible may also explore work-study job opportunities at SCAD-Atlanta by visiting Room 121 in the Student Resource Center. Students who are finding it difficult to cope with their current financial woes are encouraged to speak with the most appropriate person in the Student Resources Center. The Office of the Dean of Students, Office of Career Services, Office of the Bursar, and Counseling and Student Support Services are all available and willing to talk with students about their individual concerns. All conversations will remain confidential. P. J. Johnson Vice President for SCAD-Atlanta |