Governors State University Releases MAP Funds to Students as Budget Crisis Persists
“We have taken these steps because the state has not yet released funds for the MAP grants to the universities. By applying credits to students' accounts, the university, not its students, will be assuming the risk created by the state budget stalemate.”
For the second consecutive semester, Governors State University is taking action to assure its students will be able to pay for college by honoring the obligation of the State of Illinois to include Monetary Award Program (MAP) funding in students' financial aid packages for Spring 2016. The university will apply a student account credit to students who have been awarded a MAP grant.
“We have taken these steps because the state has not yet released funds for the MAP grants to the universities. By applying credits to students' accounts, the university, not its students, will be assuming the risk created by the state budget stalemate,” said Governors State University President Elaine P. Maimon.
MAP is a program funded by the State of Illinois and administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), and grants assistance to eligible students demonstrating financial need. Because of the budget situation, the state has not released MAP funding for either the Fall 2015 or Spring 2016 semesters.
Maimon said that while releasing the funds allows GSU students to remain focused on completing their degrees, the resolution of the state’s budget impasse must remain the primary goal. “MAP funding from the state is just one part of the budget impact for Governors State University and all Illinois public universities.
“While GSU is taking on the liability for MAP funding, a decision by the state simply to provide MAP money would not be enough—not nearly enough.
“While we are committed to relieving our students from fears and worries about financial aid, we also want to be clear that receiving MAP funds from the state must be one of many elements of adequate state support. The major issue, which remains deadlocked, is a university-wide operating budget that allows us to deliver the high quality education that our students deserve and that ultimately benefits the public good,” Maimon said.