The economy—something I will probably never understand. I tend to leave that to my smarter, more numbers-oriented counterparts. However, I think that even I have a grasp on the fact that our state and federal economies are struggling. We have all seen how it is affecting the entire country, and I am sure we all have a personal scenario attached to the effects of a ridiculous economy. However, have you ever considered how this darn economy affects your college education?
The Minnesota State Grant Program is a state-funded program that provides grants to numerous Minnesota college students. Considering today’s economy and other various factors, this grant program is in serious trouble. According to a presentation given by Financial Aid Director Doug Minter, the Minnesota State Grant Program overspent $42 million in the 2009-2010 year due to changes in the criteria and handling of the program. Since the legislature provides the budget for the grant program, this wonderful statute is in jeopardy during the current bonding session the Minnesota State Legislature is facing. In Mr. Minter’s presentation, he touched on the possible recommendations that the state is looking at, which include reducing the budget cap, increasing parent contribution and not adjusting for an increase in the Federal Pell Grant. Forgive me if all of this flies right over your head, but in all honesty you are probably wondering why I am telling you all of this economic mumbo-jumbo. But, let’s face it—it affects you as a college student no matter what your personal situation.
If the Minnesota State Grant Program is reduced, or heaven forbid, cut, students across the state will suffer immensely. However, I will go one step further and tell you that it will affect you here at Gustavus. According to Minter, currently 727 Gustavus students receive money through the Minnesota State Grant Program. The total amount of money that generates for students’ tuitions is $2,720,664, which equals out to be about $3,742 per student. That is a lot of money to help provide tuition to our students, but that could change. If the state follows through with the recommendations, 84 of the 727 students would lose their grants. That means a $645,168 reduction in available funds for Gustavus. I don’t know about you, but I am not OK with that.
Why should you care? If you are a recipient of the grant, it is quite obvious. This affects you in a large way—direct loss of grant money.
If you do not receive the grant, a loss of grant funding would mean Gustavus needs to find a way to make up for that lost money in the Financial Aid Department.
The problem with a lack of funding for the Minnesota State Grant Program is that it ultimately affects everyone—from the college as an institution, right down to every student who attends Gustavus.
Now that I have hopefully got you scared about lack of college funds, let me bring a shining beacon of hope to our stressed out little lives. There is something you can do! The Minnesota Private College Council organizes a Day at the Capitol that gives students a chance to meet with their legislators and lobby on behalf of the Minnesota State Grant Program.
On March 4, 2010, Gustavus will be bussing students to the state capitol in order to participate in this effective event. The day includes information and training session, meetings with your individual representative and senator, a chance to explore the capitol, a Gustavus alumni panel, and three well-balanced meals.
The fact of the matter is, it does not matter if politics are not your thing, you are graduating next year, you do not receive the grant or even live in Minnesota; all that matters is that you care enough about funding your college experience to make a difference.
I encourage each and every one of you to attend this day and let our legislature know that this is an important program to fund and to help make a difference as college students. For more information and to register for Gustavus Day at the Capitol, check out www.mnprivatecolleges.org/events/day.