Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-2540 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Robert Waggener, Editor

Phone: (307) 766-3571

E-mail: robertw@uwyo.edu

 

Date: Oct. 2, 2006

UW students increase knowledge of home loans, personal finance

By Tiffany Schaffner

Ag Communications senior

Intern, College of Agriculture and CES

University of Wyoming students increased their awareness of important issues including home loans and personal finance at this year’s “Home on the Range” Consumer Issues Conference.

            The conference, Sept. 28 in the Wyoming Union, featured speakers discussing a variety of issues. Other topics were zoning regulations, elderly housing, homelessness and the rights of mobile home dwellers.

            “It is so interesting and exciting that there are so many people from different disciplines and places concerned about these issues,” said Becca Freeburn, an agricultural business major from Fort Laramie and vice president of the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming (ASUW).

            Ryan McConnaughey, an agricultural business major from Riverton serving as this year’s ASUW chief of staff, believes the information will give him the opportunity to help other students. 

            Freeburn and McConnaughey agree they became more informed on consumer issues and can help students with such issues as landlord and tenant relationships.

            Tabitha Reece, a dietetic major from Riverton, said the conference made her more aware of problem issues such as housing in a college community like Laramie. “Renting is a huge deal in this community,” she said. 

            Cole Ehmke, UW Cooperative Extension Service (CES) personal finance specialist who helped organize the conference, focused his presentation on “the Seven Sins” first-time renters make. Some of these include underestimating variable costs, failing to read the lease and not determining who is responsible for the cost of repairs at the beginning of the agreement. All of these are very good tips for any kind of renter but especially college students.          

            Students and visitors who attended Ehmke’s session left with the knowledge necessary to enter a lease or agreement and avoid problems that can plague renters for years.  

            Dee Pridgen, professor and associate dean of the UW College of Law and co-chair of the conference committee, said she thought the day went well. It is important for students to think ahead, she said, and the conference content tried to cover many avenues. 

            “Just because you are young doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about low-income housing, elderly accommodations and first home purchasing,” Pridgen said. 

             The most interesting part about the conference “was the blend of information and the well-rounded agenda,” said Lindsey Stutheit, a College of Agriculture textiles and merchandising major from Perryton, Texas. 

Stutheit attended sessions about law, loans and Habitat for Humanity.  She said those sessions helped update her on important issues she will face because she has never bought a home or tried obtaining a loan. She also thought the information her parents received years ago may be outdated.    

            Ehmke said, “The attendance is excellent.  It is up from last year and on the rise over the last couple of years.”

            There was also a good mix of attendees.  From professionals to students, they all attended because these issues are a top priority to everyone, noted Ehmke.

            Sponsors included ASUW, UW CES, the dean’s offices of the colleges of law and agriculture, UW Office of Academic Affairs, First Interstate Bank, Albany County Tourism Board and AARP.

            On the Web: www.uwyo.edu/AgAdmin/news/ConsumerConference5.htm

www.uwyo.edu/consumerconference/default.htm

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