At the beginning of the semester Florida International University had a problem with its work-study program. Too many students were qualified. And so the university announced cuts to parts of the program, a move that would hurt 600 students. But students fought back.
According to an article by Michael Vasquez in the Miami Herald:
But the angry students, many of whom were worried about how they’d pay their car payment or monthly rent bills, decided they could teach the administration a thing or two. They started sending letters to FIU President Mark Rosenberg, reaching out to local media outlets, and set up a campaign on Facebook.
On Thursday, FIU higher-ups did an about-face, and promised to shore up the work-study program using about $1.5 million in other university funds. Students’ work schedules would return to normal, Financial Aid Director Francisco Valines promised.
It’s unclear where FIU found the extra $1.5 million. That would sure be interesting to know.
It just goes to show that when a college says it can’t afford something, it’s worth asking again, in a stronger voice.
