By Joe Hadsall

jhadsall@joplinglobe.com

Students say they feel the pinch of a new payment plan at Missouri Southern State University, and they wish for the old one.

MSSU students must have all of their fees for tuition and book rentals for the spring 2008 semester paid by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17. If students miss that deadline, they will be dropped from their classes.

The deadline is different: Students used to be allowed to pay 50 percent of their fees before the start of the semester and the remainder at a later date. The MSSU Board of Governors discontinued that 50-50 payment plan in February.

“I think it would be a great idea to bring it back,” said freshman Kristine Rupe, of Webb City. “A lot of students can’t afford all of their fees upfront. If I didn’t get a grant, I would have to work full time to do it.”

Ila Durkin, of Monett, will be going to Missouri State University in Springfield next year. The junior said the reason for the transfer was the elimination of the payment plan.

“It’s ridiculous that they want all of it before classes even start,” Durkin said. “That’s why I’m switching schools.”

Students also are acclimating to another change. The university discontinued the practice of sending paper bills. Students now must access the LioNet system and keep track of their bills online.

“My mom is upset about it,” said junior Rachel Roberds, of Webb City. “She doesn’t like online transactions, and now she’s forced to pay online.”

But students still may pay their fees at the university’s business office.

The changes were made to clean up a “paperwork nightmare,” said Rob Yust, interim vice president of business affairs. The 50-50 plan was discontinued because it caused debts for students.

“If a student dropped out from paying the remaining 50 percent, there would still be a balance remaining on their account,” Yust said. “This way, if their fees aren’t collected upfront, they are dropped before they take any classes, so they don’t incur any debt.”

Sophomore John Ockert, of Joplin, predicted that the elimination of the plan will keep students from enrolling.

“Because they will have to pay upfront, a lot will have to go into debt,” he said. “They will have to wait a year or so to save up.”