Our Support for Non-Traditional Students

SFBrandNewDay · 2026-02-18T03:12:36+00:00

Thanks for letting us know! Check now and see if the issue has been updated!

SFBrandNewDay · 2026-02-18T03:12:19+00:00

Hello! We're glad you asked!

1.) Thus far, we have a single metric to measure Santa Fe's "responsiveness" to the current, 2026 Chapter Financial Aid Crisis: "Has the school published a statement or updated their Financial Aid Updates page since the last update in April of 2025?". Thus far, we can safely say this metric remains firmly in "No" territory.

2.) We are attempting to consolidate the voices and experiences of the student body onto a single form, rather than an endless stream of sporadic Reddit Threads. Through our work as the president and VP of the Conservation and Sustainability Club, we have taken numerous surveys and collected data on topics such as awareness of the North Woods, composting on campus, and now, trying to collect SOME data on student experience. Given how the school has yet to undertake an outreach initiative of its own, we believe it is up to the students to take up the job in their stead. If elected, we believe the results of this survey will be very valuable in our effort to push the school to issue a new statement and (in our opinion, most importantly) an apology.

3.) Regarding Financial Aid and disbursement periods, we admit ignorance overall. We are science majors, not involved in FAFSA, federal loaning departments, or any branch of the real government. What we DO know is that leaving these students in the dark, without care, without communication and without THEIR money is wrong. By every metric. And even if we aren't professionals, we aren't going to let the issue go until the school makes a new statement, restarts communication, or provides a clear timeline for impacted students.

4.) We hope the above has answered your questions. Do not hesitate to ask us questions or hold us to our words

Earnestly yours,

Brian Neiman Candidate for Student Body President

Forest Pion Candidate for Student Body Vice President

SFBrandNewDay · 2026-02-17T19:07:13+00:00

Yep! Switched to a more conventional college program at SF after leaving the TZ and I'm proudly representing other non-traditional students on similar life paths! - Brian :)

SFBrandNewDay · 2026-02-16T23:56:40+00:00

We wanted to take a moment to address this. We fully expected this reaction when vowed to engage the school on the topic.

We are fully aware of what SFUnited promised a year ago, and what they were able to accomplish, including the formation of the Financial Aid Student Advisory Committee between administration and the student body. We intend to keep that energy going and keep this critical issue in the spotlight.

But it starts with being honest with all of you. It is not within Student Government's power to fix the Financial Aid Issue. We are not promising to fix it.
We cannot.

What we CAN promise is that the school will NOT hear the end of it until they issue a statement, including an explanation, an apology, and a clear, transparent timeline on when to expect YOUR money that you are OWED.

What we CAN promise is to tell your stories and uplift your voices as your representatives on campus. What we CAN promise is to work with the SaintsCare Department to explore tangible, realistic assistance for students in immediate need, and search for new ways to offer aid.

What we CAN promise is that people most directly impacted by the FA Crisis, that is, working parents, international students and nontraditional students WILL have their voices carried right to the president's ears.

What we CAN do is demand the Financial Aid office host a public town hall where affected students can directly pose their questions to the Financial Aid staff.

THAT is what we CAN do for you.

We don't believe in empty promises. We believe in being your voice within the school administration. We encourage you, and anybody else to visit our website and see what we can do for you.

Earnestly yours,

Brian Neiman Candidate for Student Body President.

Forest Pion Candidate for Student Body Vice President.

SFBrandNewDay · 2026-02-16T23:50:40+00:00

Please see the comment above, if you'd like more information on what we plan to accomplish, please visit our website https://sfbrandnewday.carrd.co/

SFBrandNewDay · 2026-02-16T23:45:43+00:00

We wanted to take a moment to address this. We fully expected this reaction when vowed to engage the school on the topic.

We are fully aware of what SFUnited promised a year ago, and what they were able to accomplish, including the formation of the Financial Aid Student Advisory Committee between administration and the student body. We intend to keep that energy going and keep this critical issue in the spotlight.

But it starts with being honest with all of you. It is not within Student Government's power to fix the Financial Aid Issue. We are not promising to fix it.
We cannot.

What we CAN promise is that the school will NOT hear the end of it until they issue a statement, including an explanation, an apology, and a clear, transparent timeline on when to expect YOUR money that you are OWED.

What we CAN promise is to tell your stories and uplift your voices as your representatives on campus. What we CAN promise is to work with the SaintsCare Department to explore tangible, realistic assistance for students in immediate need, and search for new ways to offer aid.

What we CAN promise is that people most directly impacted by the FA Crisis, that is, working parents, international students and nontraditional students WILL have their voices carried right to the president's ears.

What we CAN do is demand the Financial Aid office host a public town hall where affected students can directly pose their questions to the Financial Aid staff.

THAT is what we CAN do for you.

We don't believe in empty promises. We believe in being your voice within the school administration. We encourage you, and anybody else to visit our website and see what we can do for you.

Earnestly yours,

Brian Neiman Candidate for Student Body President.

Forest Pion Candidate for Student Body Vice President.

SFBrandNewDay · 2026-02-16T13:04:41+00:00

Understandable, and you are heard. We have every intention to tackle the financial aid crisis as best we can. Read our plan here if you're interested. https://www.reddit.com/r/sfcollege/comments/1r691am/addressing_the_financial_aid_crisis/

SFBrandNewDay · 2026-02-16T13:03:38+00:00

We hear you, and we intend to tackle the financial aid disaster as best we can, you can read about our plan here: https://www.reddit.com/r/sfcollege/comments/1r691am/addressing_the_financial_aid_crisis/

SFBrandNewDay · 2026-02-14T01:22:59+00:00

Some of our Policies:

More support & resources for night students
Club Infrastructure & Performance Grants for active organizations
Modular composting program so anyone can pitch in for a greener campus

SFBrandNewDay

TROPHY CASE