Students looking to get an ASMSU loan may wind up disappointed - at least for a while.
The undergraduate student government currently does not have any full-time employees to oversee its business office operations, causing trouble for those who come seeking the $100 loans ASMSU provides.
“It’s particularly frustrating when you have bills to pay and you depend on ASMSU to be there,” said Laura Utter, an English senior who stopped by the business office at 3 p.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday, only to find it closed.
“They have always been kind of a last resort for me.”
Utter needed the loan to reactivate her phone, which was disconnected as a result of an overdue bill.
Problems began when ASMSU’s longtime business office manager, Jeanne Fancher, opted for early retirement on Jan. 1. Fancher initially planned on leaving in May after working with ASMSU for more than 19 years.
Fancher was responsible for controlling money within ASMSU’s different accounts and distributing paychecks. During the past few months, she also assumed responsibility of ASMSU’s student loan program because of difficulties in hiring a full-time loan clerk.
“She was kind of worn out, so she was just ready to retire,” said ASMSU Comptroller Jason LeRoy, who worked closely with Fancher. “I don’t think she knew about it too long. I think it was a sudden decision for her too.”
Fancher was not available for comment.
Because of the vacancy, ASMSU will have to distribute the duties among its student officials.
Therefore, the area may not be occupied during its posted business hours, which are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“We will have a comprehensive schedule at the end of this week,” said Kendall Sykes, ASMSU Student Assembly chairperson, who is calling a staff meeting Friday to schedule individuals to work in the office during the required hours.
Despite being short on staff and having the extra responsibilities, Sykes is confident that no serious problems will occur in the organization.
In response to complaints, Sykes is asking MSU students to be patient until the problem can be remedied and to call ASMSU if they have any concerns.
“We are walking into this and are trying to make it work,” Sykes said. “Students need to realize that while we are in student government and represent them, we are students, too. Sometimes we need a little leeway.
“It’s either we do this or we don’t have any loan program at all. But that would just not be fair to the people.”
Meanwhile, ASMSU is also working in conjunction with the office of Student Life to hire a replacement for Fancher. Until a new manager is hired, however, the student government is looking to have a university employee temporarily transferred to the business office. Officials say getting a permanent replacement will take at least a month.
Lee June, vice president of student affairs, said there is the possibility of the position being filled right away.
“That’s the hope,” June said. “But it all depends on how fast the selection process goes.”
