THE STUDENTS Loan Bureau (SLB) has established an electronic link with the University of the West Indies to make the process of paying tuition fees flow smoothly for SLB applicants.
"We are electronically linked to the Bureau's database so as soon as that student goes in and signs and has his or her guarantor come in to the Bureau's office, that information is immediately available to us on-line," UWI Mona Campus Registrar, G. Anthony Falloon told The Gleaner on Friday.
Approved applicants are therefore registered for the year and avoid former problems such as not being allowed to sit semester exams because of the university's policy which prohibits students in questionable financial standing from taking examinations. However, Mr. Falloon said that if the loan is pending or guarantors have not signed, the student may complete the academic process but UWI will have to await notification from the SLB to complete their registration.
The academic and administrative processes are being separated in order to correctly assess the number of students coming in for particular courses. Previously, this total was not available until the entire registration process was completed.
The registrar pointed out that it was now also easier for non-SLB students to pay tuition fees as well. The UWI said last week that students only have to drop off their bank voucher or other evidence of payment at the relevant station in the Assembly Hall and "within 48 hours they will be able to check via computer if they have received clearance".
