For many students at the University, struggles with tuition fees are a constant occurrence in everyday life. During a workshop held last weekend focusing on self-reflection and coping with stress, students’ biggest concern was finances. The workshop was part of the C.A.U.S.E. conference held at the University. For junior Aimee Klingelsmith, whose father recently lost his job, college finances play a major role in her life. She has over $50,000 in loans to pay for her education. ‘It’s harder after my dad lost his job,’ she said. ‘Normally, I could depend on my parents for food or other stuff. All the money I earn is just to pay for my daily living.” However, students can turn to different departments on campus to ease the stress of money matters. Student Financial Aid helps students pay their bills by providing access to a college education, according to Gregory Guzman, director of Student Financial Aid.’ ‘ ‘I can’t say if there are more families struggling with their finances compared to last year,’ he said. ‘We can tell there has been an increase in students who are eligible for need-based Federal and State Grants.’ But according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of unemployment in Toledo in the month of February rose to 12.4 percent. That’s 5.3 percent higher than the same month a year earlier. Freshman Emily Ancinec is also a student having problems paying for college. She comes from Michigan, and didn’t get the scholarship she applied for. But by looking into other financial opportunities, like the work she does as an resident adviser, she had been able to stay enrolled at the University. ‘I try now with loans to pay the rest of my bills,’ she said. ‘My parents are helping me with finding loans. It’s frustrating to turn all your money in, and find out that it’s only enough to pay for one semester.’ Ancinec said she will work this summer full-time in order to make money to pay for tuition. And she’s no exception; a lot of her friends are struggling too, she said. If a student’s parent has lost income or employment, they should contact Student Financial Aid, Guzman said.