While the 2008-2009 school year has just begun at Tennessee State University, it may soon be over for some students.

During the last few weeks some students have had to face financial burdens while many have even been forced to pack up and go home.

TSU's main focus is supposed to be the students. "Students Matter Most" is plastered all over campus.

Many students have felt as if they didn't matter at all in recent weeks.

They have missed classes due to the complications that arose and have had to wait in the long lines that crowded hallways.

Every year many students face the sad reality that their projected awards are not sufficient to cover the cost of attending school here.

With tuition steadily increasing and continuous fees being added, students were unable to register and attend classes while some were purged, sometimes repeatedly.

Often students are blamed for not filling out their FAFSA information in time to receive the maximum awards.
However, even though college is a time to learn responsibility, we have several students who are on their own for the first time.

There are always rallies for important issues such as voting and HIV testing; filing for FAFSA is just as important.

Although signs are posted around campus, more needs to be done to get students cognizant about their awards for the following year.

Sometimes students' FAFSA is filled out on time but internal issues still arise causing insufficient funds, which may lead to purging.

There are so many students here who want an education but simply cannot afford one.

It is important for the TSU community as well as the surrounding community to come together as a whole to rectify the problems facing our students.

Sunday during the 11:15 a.m. service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, a service many TSU students attend every Sunday, Bishop Joseph Walker III informed the congregation of the financial situation here at TSU.

Approximately 15 students will receive funds to aid in their financial woes. Student Government Association also heard the cries of approximately 1,300 students and decided to become involved.

During the voter registration drive, the Student Union Board of Governors campus party and the pep rally raised nearly $2,500 to assist students in need.

Everyone should come together during this crisis that plagues our campus and help each other do what we all came to do -- get an education.

The Meter, Tennessee State's student newspaper, originally published this article as an editorial.

Articles in the Voices section represent the opinions of the individual writers and do not reflect the views of Black College Wire.