THE EDITOR, Sir:
WE REFER to the letter of June 30, 2005 titled 'SLB mission questioned' in which the writer substantively questions the SLB's inclusion of a fee as part of its late applications facility, which will run from July 4 to 9.
We wish to reiterate that the late fee has been included to cover the administrative costs associated with making this service available outside of our regular loan applications period.
The bureau's decision to accept applications after the designated period comes against the background of requests from prospective applicants who have not been able to finalize plans for funding their tuition through scholarships or assistance from family members. The SLB at this time is pressed beyond measure to facilitate these additional applicants. Adequate preparation was made for all; this is the SLB's attempt to extend itself even further in service to our country.
The guarantor interview process, which began in earnest on June 27, will run concurrently with late applications. Provisions must be made to address the increased customer inflow during the period. Our intent is only to assist, but it will come at a cost to the bureau.
We acknowledge the writer's concern, but wish to add that it is precisely because we have not lost sight of our mission why we have taken the decision to provide an opportunity for relief to students.
I am, etc.,
LENICE BARNETT (Mrs.)
Executive Director
Students' Loan Bureau
