No funds found on the MAP
Ken Woods
Issue date: 9/11/09 Section: News
Western Illinois University did not receive Monetary Award Program funding for the upcoming spring semester, which could have severe consequences for students and administration alike.
The MAP grant assists students financially in affording the cost of higher education. Approximately 25 percent of Western students will be without the assistance next semester.
"I am extremely concerned. I think the loss (of MAP funding) will be catastrophic for our students," said President Al Goldfarb. "We have 2,800 students who receive an average grant of about $1,500, so it will have a huge impact on their ability to go to school."
The loss in funding is due to the recent economic trials suffered by the state of Illinois. The Illinois legislature has made cuts in several areas.
"The state of Illinois was in a horrible budget crisis," Goldfarb said. "I think that an investment in higher education would be in the long term interest of the state. It will produce tax-paying citizens who are well-educated, so I think it is in the state's best interest to try to support them."
The loss in funding affects those who need it most. Half of the students who receive the MAP award have families who earn less than $20,000 annually as reported by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
The MAP crisis poses many concerns and dilemmas for students wishing to continue to pursue higher education. The alternative options for assistance may seem daunting.
"Those students may be forced to try to make up $1,500," Goldfarb said. "Some may have to take additional loans, which is not a very attractive option, some may be forced to have to leave school, some may have to find employment and work more hours, which is not an attractive option either. My big worry is that these students just won't be able to stay in school."
Enrollment presents another concern for the administrators at Western. Freshman numbers have been down recently, and graduate and transfer students have come close to matching the drop-off in incoming students.
The MAP grant assists students financially in affording the cost of higher education. Approximately 25 percent of Western students will be without the assistance next semester.
"I am extremely concerned. I think the loss (of MAP funding) will be catastrophic for our students," said President Al Goldfarb. "We have 2,800 students who receive an average grant of about $1,500, so it will have a huge impact on their ability to go to school."
The loss in funding is due to the recent economic trials suffered by the state of Illinois. The Illinois legislature has made cuts in several areas.
"The state of Illinois was in a horrible budget crisis," Goldfarb said. "I think that an investment in higher education would be in the long term interest of the state. It will produce tax-paying citizens who are well-educated, so I think it is in the state's best interest to try to support them."
The loss in funding affects those who need it most. Half of the students who receive the MAP award have families who earn less than $20,000 annually as reported by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
The MAP crisis poses many concerns and dilemmas for students wishing to continue to pursue higher education. The alternative options for assistance may seem daunting.
"Those students may be forced to try to make up $1,500," Goldfarb said. "Some may have to take additional loans, which is not a very attractive option, some may be forced to have to leave school, some may have to find employment and work more hours, which is not an attractive option either. My big worry is that these students just won't be able to stay in school."
Enrollment presents another concern for the administrators at Western. Freshman numbers have been down recently, and graduate and transfer students have come close to matching the drop-off in incoming students.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
illinoisresident
posted 9/11/09 @ 1:05 PM CST
How much did that new multicultural center cost again?
Mary Durkin
posted 9/11/09 @ 2:01 PM CST
Almost 30% of the Western students will lose their MAP grants. That's A LOT of people!
Join The Allies for Student Funding. Go to http://www.facebook. (Continued…)
Karen
posted 9/12/09 @ 8:07 AM CST
Where do I find the online petition set up by Emory Patterson?
New Jersey Movers
posted 9/14/09 @ 3:36 PM CST
It's really unfortunate that this is happening. On the one hand, it's in the state's interest to invest in education. On the other hand, there is just no money available to invest. (Continued…)
Post a Comment