INDIANAPOLIS — Thousands of Indiana University students might not be able to use their federal aid money to begin the school year because of a glitch in a new computer software system.

Funds from student federal loans and other aid have been sent to IU, but in some cases students do not have access yet to the money in their accounts, school officials said.

Hundreds of Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis students waited in long lines Wednesday on the first day of classes to get or apply for emergency loans from the school.

It is a problem affecting all IU campuses, although classes do not start in Bloomington until Monday, officials said.

Some students are coming up short on cash because they often use the money to pay for books, rent and other necessities after paying for tuition and fees.

“This is bull. My money is in my account. I need to get my books, school supplies and buy a new computer,” said frustrated IUPUI freshman Douglas Woods, 26, as he stood in a line of more than 100 students.

Students have to wait 24 hours and come back for their emergency loan checks.

The problems are caused by IU’s change to a computerized student information system developed by PeopleSoft Inc. IU has been gradually converting the entire system at a cost of $52 million since 1999.

This year, the processes being switched are financial aid, registration, records, billing and advising.

Fort Wayne

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2004

Answers

IUPUI students face long lines

The problems are caused by IU's change to a computerized student information system developed by PeopleSoft, a provider of information software for universities. At a cost of $52 million, IU has been gradually converting the entire system since 1999 to replace antiquated software. This year, financial aid, registration, records, billing and advising are being converted. Admissions software was switched earlier.

IndyStar

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2004