Student aid delayed by unsigned promissary notes

More than 700 Southern University students are oblivious to the fact that their funds have not been posted to their accounts because they have not signed a promissory note, said officials in the Office of Financial Aid.
“If students have not signed promissory notes, they shouldn’t expect to receive any money”, said Jason Hardnick, an information technology specialist for student financial aid at Southern.
Throughout the process of applying and accepting funds from student loans to attend college, it is mandatory that students sign a promissory note, which basically serves as a contract detailing the terms of a promise by one party (the maker) to pay a sum of money to the other party (the payee). The obligation may arise from the repayment of a loan or from another form of debt.
“I believe it shouldn’t have come to this point,” said James Atkins, a senior architect major from Kentwood. “Just as financial aid and/or the university can inform students on anything else, they could’ve informed these students weeks ago about why their funds have not yet been posted.”
Before the funds are dispersed to the university, the students must sign the document because until the note is signed, funds will not be mailed to the students, officials said.
“If you have never signed a promissory note, you need to sign one,” said Hardnick
Students have to understand that although this is a very important process, it is also a very easy one, said Hardnick .
Hardnick said he would like to take the initiative to have a day or two where he, and a few of his colleagues, can assist the students in getting this very important step done. His plan is for students to be able to log onto one of the largest computer labs on campus to sign their notes via the Internet.
Until then, Hardnick said students who are unsure if their funds are being held up because they haven’t signed their promissory notes could stop by his office or contact him at 771-2790, ext 236.