"We can't help them if we don't know they're in trouble."
Karon VanMotor
Manager of college and university relations for the Lawrence branch of Sallie Mae
VanMeter said that Sallie Mae came to campus for counseling and tried to help graduates as much as possible during repayment.
"We're not the bad guy," she said.
She said that the students who had financial trouble often didn't let anyone know about their problems.
"The smartest thing students can do is to work with the servicer," VanMeter said. "We can't help them if we don't know they're in trouble."
In order to avoid the damaged credit rating and tangles with the government that come with a defaulted loan, Cooper said students should keep three things in mind during repayment:
Make sure to notify lending institutions of all address changes. Cooper said that graduates' first few years out of school could involve so much packing and unpacking that graduates forget to tell people they've moved.
Keep paperwork. Cooper said that lending institutions often sell loans to other agencies. Although the institutions are required by law to notify graduates of all changes, Cooper said that the frequent deals often caused graduates to lose track of where to send payment.
Never assume that there isn't something that can be done. "If a graduate has health problems, gets a minimum-wage job or gets a part-time job, institutions have options they can work with," Cooper said.
If you do not repay your student loan any of the following may happen:
The federal government may withhold your tax refund.
"Students tend to think that if they can't pay it, they are in trouble," she said. "So, they don't do anything and they get in trouble."
Your wages may be garnisheed.
The default will be reported to national credit bureaus and your credit rating will be damaged for seven years.
You will be required to pay the entire loan, including interest immediately.
Good Real Food Innovative and traditional American Cuisine Breakfast Lunch Dinner
728 Massachusetts • Lawrence,KS • 913.842.5199
Breakfast
Served from 6:30-2:30 Mon-Sat. 8:00-2:30 Sun.
Price Range: $1.95-5.95
Potato Pancakes-Three swiss-cheesey cakes served with two eggs as you like, hash browns and toast or biscuits.
Fresh Salmon Trout Fillet-Grilled with a light lemon-herb butter and served with two eggs, hash browns, and toast or biscuits.
Cowboy Eggs Two eggs on fresh hot cornbread, covered with chile con queso. Pinto beans and guacamole on the side.
Breakfast Enchiladas-Three corn tortillas stuffed with a spicy egg and cheese mixture. Served with beans, rice and a soft flour tortilla.
Black Jack's Flap Jacks-Whole wheat or buttermilk pancakes. Try them with pecans or blueberries and real maple syrup!
Fresh bakery items-include nice big cinnamon pecan rolls, a muffin of the day, and bagels.
Lunch
Served from 11:00-2:30 daily. Price: $1.95-5.95
Spinach Enchiladas-Blue corn tortillas stuffed with spinach and swiss cheese, topped with chile con queso. Served with beans, rice and a soft flour tortilla. Enchilada exotica!
Kung Poa Stir Fry.A medley of colorful vegetables and your choice of tofu or chicken stir-fried in a slightly spicy sweet-and-sour sauce. Topped with crunchy peanuts and served over brown rice.
Philly Steak-Sliced roast beef, grilled with onion and green peppers and topped with swiss cheese, on a homemade sourdough bun.
Nicolse Salad-Paradise style,with smoked tuna,sliced tomatoes, steamed broccoli and potatoes on a bed of fresh spinach.
No time for dessert?Take along a few cookies, made daily with such good things as butter, nuts, and chocolate.
Dinner
Served from 5-10 Mon-Sat. Price range: $4.75-13.95 Wine List Available
Calamari-Light, crispy rings, served with our own cocktail sauce.
Stuffed Mushrooms-Filled with crab and cheese, baked with sherry.
Mannicottl-Homemade pasta stuffed with spinach, mushrooms and ricotta, and topped with our red Italian sauce.
Artichoke Chicken-Sauteed with mushrooms and artichoke hearts in a creamy white wine sauce.
Peppered Steak-K.C. Strip coated with crushed green and black peppercorns, sauteed as you like and flamed with brandy.
Fish and Seafood Specials These change daily, and are always worth looking into! Ask your server for details.
7 Graduation
May 1996 The Hill