On January 26, 2016 at 10:30am, CUC students gathered in the VOICE conference room to discuss the MAP Grant. The state of Illinois has yet to pass a budget that would be approved and allow funds for education to be allocated and disbursed, leaving students with a possible balance for the spring semester and uncertainty as they enter 2016. For many students, the MAP Grant provides substantial financial relief toward their tuition, enabling them to get an education and focus on school. The suspension has students in limbo and wondering whether or not they will have to drop out if the grant is cut from the budget.
The Monetary Award Program (MAP) is a state funded grant that is distributed to Illinois residents based on necessity and income. According to Concordia’s Director of Financial Aid, Aida Asencio-Pinto, approximately 466 students were MAP Grant recipients this spring. Based on past numbers and Aida’s experience, the school receives approximately $2.4 million from the state for students each school year.
Concordia’s President, Dr. Daniel Lee Gard has made every effort to contact legislators on behalf of the campus and has even traveled to Springfield, IL with representatives from the university to seek answers and find a resolution. Although Dr. Gard has taken it upon himself to reach out to our district and state legislators, Aida says, “This needs to get expedited,” and students need to voice their concerns by contacting the state and district legislators in their area. Writing a letter about the personal effects this suspension has on the individual is important, the more letters they get, the better they can see just how many students care and are affected.
While students brainstormed ideas to get the attention of legislators and possibly the media, VOICE President Henry Garcia took notes. There is a possibility we may see booths set up to facilitate templates for students so that they can contact the right legislators and let them know the grant matters. Other suggestions were reaching out to other schools and rallying near Harlem Ave so the community is aware of how serious the effects of the budget cut are.
For seniors, Aida had some positive words and reassured those looking to graduate this spring that their degrees will not be held hostage. As long as balances are paid in full outside of the MAP Grant, business services will remove the account hold so students can graduate.
Anyone with comments, concerns, or suggestions can attend a second meeting that will be held on Thursday January 28 in the VOICE conference room at 5:00pm or contact Henry Garcia. Students can also find out who the state legislators are and contact them immediately. Also, before deciding to drop out, the school strongly urges students to call the office of financial aid at 708-209-3113 or meet with a representative and discuss options.
