Extend flexible terms to all UH students

Since December 1995, the Japanese yen's value has fallen from 90 per dollar down to about 145 per dollar.

Other currencies across Asia have experienced a similar drop. To counter the hardship caused by an effective 40 percent tuition increase, International Student Services director June Naughton has allowed for more flexible payment terms than the usual "pay up front" policy.

Although this can work at the University of Hawai`i because of the small percentage of foreign students, this sort of flexibility should be made available to all students.

Particularly because the understaffed Financial Aid Office is unable to complete all of the applications by the Aug. 4 and Sept. 4 tuition payment deadlines, a staggered payment plan would help students immensely.

Even if a large percentage of interest were charged, the short-term nature of the financing would cause little inconvenience.

To prevent non-payment by students, degrees could be withheld until full payment is received (for those ready for graduation) or registration could be delayed (for returning students).