The Root of all Evil

[jackofallgeeks]

So here's a wonderful little thing I just learned: the administration has been lying to us from day one. And, in all likelihood, they're still lying to us about any number of things.

See, they've been telling us this whole time that the program gives us six quarters worth of money, which they dole out on a monthly basis. We've been making plans for schedules and internships and being pressured on thesis to get done in six quarters -- and it turns out that, in fact, the program grants us enough money for eight quarters. That's another six months of money, somewhere on the order of $12,000 per student.

I found this out because my buddy Marcin is seriously afraid of failing a course that won't be offered again until after he's supposed to graduate, and I figured big deal, they can't make him stay longer, right? Well, he says that it turns out they can because of this extra wad of cash they have left over, presumably which they pocket whenever we graduate 'on time.' This explains all that bullshit they fed us about "making allowances" if things with your thesis don't go right, or you can't find a job right off from graduation.

I can't express how angry this makes me. Despite the fact that I *really* want to graduate in September and move on with my life, part of me wants to drag my feet out of spite just to deny them pocketing another $12,000.

And part of me is now afraid of messing up and unintentionally staying the full term.

Comments

... Makes the World Go 'round

[uhlrik.livejournal.com]

Wow. That's seriously messed up.

Re: ... Makes the World Go 'round

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

Yeah. A third part of me is now wondering if I can sue them for the balance that should have gone to me if I hadn't finished early. Maybe I can find a copy of that contract I signed...

Re: ... Makes the World Go 'round

[uhlrik.livejournal.com]

It's probably pretty airtight, but it's worth reading. The funds are probably earmarked for the institution rather than yourself; I'm sure that there's no stipulation that the funds can go to you personally.

Re: ... Makes the World Go 'round

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

Probably. But yeah, it's always worth reading, and if I missed this bit the first time around, I may have missed other bits, too.