Dominican students at MSU plead with govt to honor commitment of tuition payment as registration deadline approaches

As the Fall Semester academic registration deadline quickly approaches, the plea from Dominican students at Midwestern State University (MSU) becomes more urgent in order to avert an impending crisis for these students in the United States. In what they consider the last straw, Dominican students have reached out to Dominica News Online to make an appeal to the Government of Dominica, urging the fulfillment of a commitment to resolve outstanding tuition fees.

The Texas-based pupils disclosed that failure to resolve the outstanding payments not only hinders their educational progress but also jeopardizes their visa statuses, potentially leading to termination, hence, they feel compelled to bring this issue to the public’s attention for a swift resolution. Additionally, the students assert that their attempts to communicate with various departments within the government have gone unanswered, further prompting them to issue this appeal.

“As the new academic registration is set to commence on November 6, it is imperative that the outstanding payments are settled promptly.”

Payment records shared by the students from 2021 to the present, highlighted a lapse in payments by the government of Dominica which has resulted in the government owing the learning institution, in excess of USD 1 million. DNO was further reliably informed that the government had committed to a set payment plan of $100,000.00 to MSU monthly which they failed to honor.

“However, as of now, the government has made two payments under this arrangement. Additionally, during our recent discussion with MSU officials, the government requested two invoices, each amounting to $500,000.00 in the last week of August, but the corresponding payments have not been made as yet,” they made known.

“We implore the Government of Dominica to prioritize this matter and provide a viable solution before the upcoming deadline,” the students pleaded. “Our academic futures and legal standings in the United States are at stake.”

Recently, both MSU and Grambling State University issued ultimatums to the government of Dominica for payment. In letters addressed to Dominican students at both institutions, it was noted that the schools had shown patience and understanding towards the government of Dominica, considering the financial challenges posed by external factors such as the pandemic and natural disasters.

However, the accumulating unpaid balances, totaling millions of dollars, have reached a critical point where the universities can no longer sustain the financial strain.

Dr. Edwin Litolff, Vice President for Finance of GSU, revealed that the government of Dominica has accumulated a balance of over USD 3.1 million. Consequently, the university issued an ultimatum to the government of Dominica, providing them with “one last opportunity for payment.”

If payment is not received, Dominican students will be barred from registering for classes or residing on campus for the Spring Semester of 2024. Days later, another letter surfaced this time from MSU’s Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Beth Reissenweber, and Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs and Chief Strategy Office, Dr. Keith Lamb, in which MSU stated that all Dominican students will be required to individually comply with the standard payment terms in place for MSU students.

“Any balance owed on your student account, including balances that the Commonwealth of Dominica had promised to pay, must be paid in full before you will be able to register for the Spring 2024 semester. This will include fall 2023 charges. Additionally, any student with a past due government and/or student balance will be unable to receive a transcript upon graduation, in accordance with MSU policy,” the letter stated.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in response acknowledged the financial challenges faced by his government however pledged a commitment to students’ higher education at an August press conference.

“We have started paying for the students studying overseas. We’re sending a million US dollars to Grambling to pay for the students, and we’ll be sending half a million dollars to Midwestern, so we’re paying down on our debt to students.”

Skerrit emphasized the government’s engagement with affected students, urging them to display self-control and discipline in addressing challenges. He highlighted the government’s significant financial investment in education, aiming to create a robust educational framework for success.

The Prime Minister averred that his government’s discreet but substantial financial investment in education reflects their dedication to creating a robust educational framework that equips Dominicans for success.

Related Articles