I have to say, I really enjoy attending Emporia State. I pay tuition and fees, and they leave me alone for the rest of the semester. I like that.

But every once in a blue moon, ESU will pull something that is totally unreasonable. The following is a tale of the unreasonable:

A little over a month ago, I overheard a coworker dealing with the frustration of a hold that had been put on her student account. When I asked her about it, she said she had an outstanding balance that she hadn’t paid. Apparently, she wasn’t aware of the balance at all, and wasn’t going to be allowed to enroll in classes until it had been rectified.

I understood her frustration, but I was unable to relate. I – the infallible Ellen – would never have a hold on my account because I am just too dang diligent about paying my balances…or so I thought.

Just a week later, I had to go to the Student Wellness Center. They took my insurance information and told me it would be billed to my account. After guessing and checking for a few days to see if it appeared, I paid the $12 I was charged as soon as I saw it. No big deal.

A fortnight passed, and I was rushing to apply to a conference with limited spaces. I went to print out my unofficial transcript and BAM! – a hold was put on my account for an outstanding $5 “Student Wellness” fee that I had no idea was there.

I rushed to pay it online, but, apparently, there is a two week wait to clear virtual checks. (Insert some expletives here) Then, I had to rush to the cashier’s office to pay again with cash.

Needless to say, it was an unnecessary pain in the neck. In response to these events, I have written the following letter:

Dear Emporia State,

Please email me updates about my account balance.

Sincerely,

Ellen

A simple correction like this is a win-win situation. So, if you know someone who has a hand in the cashiering or emailing services, please put a good word in for me. Let’s nip these annoyances in the bud.