| Students lose hundreds in Michigan scholarships
By Becca Morrison
Assistant News Editor
The beginning of 2003 brought with it more than many students bargained for. In the past few weeks, over 1200 Calvin students have received letters stating their Michigan scholarships and/or grants are being cut by up to $350.
This has shocked both parents and students alike, especially those who had failed to notice the fine print in last semester’s Calvin billing statement.
Each year, the state of Michigan awards set amounts of money, through the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and the Michigan Tuition-Grant Program, to students who are attending private colleges and who are residents of Michigan. In past years, the peak amount was $2750. Students qualify for the money based on their GPAs, ACT test scores and financial need. In past years, the peak amount was $2750.
The initial set amount for the 2002-3 school year was $2750, as before. Students received their award letter from Michigan based on that amount. But on January 1, 2003, the State sent out new letters telling students their grant money had been cut by up to $350 and that it would be applied to second semester’s tuition.
“It’s an issue of oversubscription across the state,” Calvin Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid C. Edward Kerestly said. “There were not enough funds budgeted for all the students who qualified.”
When the economy slows down, Kerestly said, people often feel the need for a higher education and go back to school. This happened this last year and Michigan underestimated the amount of money needed for eligible students.
Although this has not been the first year for oversubscription to the scholarship, in the past other state-funded areas containing budget surpluses could fill the deficit. This year, there were no such budget surpluses, which meant a cut was inevitable. “They had more students than they had anticipated, and no ability to get additional resources because of the deficit at the state to cover that for the year,” Kerestly said. “It’s really just a tough year for everyone.”
A few Calvin students’ initial response was to blame newly elected Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. “I found out about this during Christmas break.” Junior Saraiah Powell said. “I cussed Jennifer Granholm out in my head. It’s a shame that they’re cutting things like this out without any forewarning. I mean, people count on these scholarships, and with it getting cut four of five hundred dollars, some people might have to take out a loan, or do something drastic to afford school this year.”
Junior Jane Visser echoed a few sentiments. “We were just really upset,” she said. “I mean, how can you do that in the middle of the school year? What about telling us beforehand?”
Ayra Omnes, another Calvin junior, told of her frustration. “I understand the state had to cut something since we’re in debt, but couldn’t they wait until next fall?” Omnes said. “I already got a letter promising me that money, and if somebody promises you that money, you think you’re gonna get it. And you can’t just cut that much money. It’s a big chunk. What am I going to do?”
Junior Erin DeYoung agreed with Omnes. “It’s going back on a promise,” she said.
“It’s horrible,” Junior Missy Mough said. “They have promised us this money and now we’re not getting it, so obviously something will have to be cut. I have a roommate who already works over 40 hours a week to come here. She already has massive loans taken out to come here. Now with the new deficit added, what will she do?”
Kerestly said Calvin was made aware of the upcoming scholarship cut by December 2002. “We communicated [the cut] to students in the last billing statement, saying ‘this is coming’” he said. You need to be aware that this is an issue.’ At that point, though, we didn’t know how much the amount would be.” But even so, the warning was short.
Calvin’s enrollment for Fall 2002 was, according to Kerestly, very strong and Spring 2003 was looking strong as well. For that reason, “We as an institution determined that we will cover a third of that [money lost] to students (up to $150), and the other 2/3 of that would be the responsibility of students and their parents,” Kerestly said, “So in essence we hope no student will have to pay any more than $300 more than they would have had to pay without the cut.”
An email was sent out to affected students two Fridays ago letting them know again of the reduction, as well at the commitment of the college to help them with the reduction. All students whose grants were cut will receive some extra aid from Calvin.
“I think students understand this issue, that it’s not Calvin College that has done this to them, the result is really outside their control and really the college’s control,” Kerestly said. “I hope that they sense that the college has tried as much as possible to come alongside and help students who have been affected this way.”
Indeed, students have been appreciative of Calvin’s efforts. “I thought it was nice that Calvin did what they could,” Visser said.
Omnes agreed. “I’m very thankful that Calvin gave me $150 to compensate.”
As far as next year goes, it is very likely the money available will be less than in years past. “Our sense for the coming year is that for that award to be more than the $2,300 will be very fortunate,” Kerestly said. The newly-set sum of $2,300 will probably be the starting amount for next year.
“I think there still is a strong sense that education is a strong priority but that doesn’t mean it’s the only thing that has to be funded,” Kerestly said. In the meantime, his advice to students is, “Buy less pizza.”
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