2011 USM Budget shows little promise

By: Lunden Gillespie

Posted: 3/10/10

In a message to the University System of Maryland Community on February 18, Chancellor William E. Kirwan expressed his "heartfelt thanks to all the members to all the members of the USM Community" regarding the recent issues regarding the USM budget for the 2011 school year. The message goes on to explain that "Governor O'Malley's FY 2011 budget proposal calls for a modest increase in state support for USM." The Governor's proposed differs from the first proposal as it "includes funding to buy down a portion of the USM's proposed five percent tuition increase, resulting in a modest three percent tuition hike for in-state undergraduate students." So what does this mean for Frostburg State University students?
"Don't let the Student beside you disappear," an event put on by Visual Couture, was an informative forum to discuss the recent changes in the budget and how they would effect financial aid to students for the upcoming year. The idea for the event occurred because members of the organization were not able to return due to financial issues and problems that arose with their aid. This year, Visual Couture will be donating the proceeds of its annual Fashion Show to the Student Gift Campaign, an FSU Fund, in hopes of giving more students aid in the form of scholarships and grants.
In attendance was the Director of Financial Aid, Angela Hovatter, to share her insight and knowledge of the stagnant budget and how it would affect the students on campus. The three percent tuition hike, which only applies to in-state students, will cost students an additional $150 a year which will show up as an increase to activity and other such fees. This is one of the lower numbers in comparison to other universities and colleges dealing with budget issues. Hovatter stressed that "this is a crisis across the nation and it has to do with the fact that most states do not have any money due to lost revenue and changes in the economy."
Students at the event were given more insight into the process of how financial aid is awarded in a hope that they better understand their situation regarding the aid that they are awarded. Hovatter says that "Congress isn't looking at you as a student or as a person within a family, but the money is going to one group of students." This group of students includes students with low Expected Family Contributions or EFC's. She stresses that "the formula that formulates the EFC is sent directly by Congress," and that she is unable to change the number that a student has or give aid to students who do not qualify.
Hovatter urges students to make sure to fill out their FASFA forms to the best of their abilities and to get parent's info if necessary. She also says to, "pay attention to deadlines," either scholarship deadlines or deadlines placed on the verification process. After a question is asked about GPA's, Hovatter warns students to be on top of their studies and make sure to commit to their Satisfactory Academic Progress if they want to be eligible for aid. This means that students have to complete 67 percent of the studies that the attempt. She also tells students that the standards for the SAP may be stricter due to the issues that the state is facing financially.
In terms of grants and scholarships, students were told about both Institutional and Outside Scholarships that are available to them based on their major. The March 1st deadline for Institutional scholarships has been extended until March 15 due to the weather that resulted in school being closed for several days. "You need to sell yourself", Hovatter says. "You have to work to receive the aid that you need. You may have to search outside scholarships and grants" she goes on to say. When writing essays for scholarships and grants, especially now, it is important to proofread and be professional because the competitor for aid is only getting larger as enrollment numbers peak.
The enrollment numbers at FSU are increasing as the standards have been softened but the problem is that the budget has not been increased and the money given has to be spread thinner to accommodate those in the student body. Unfortunately, some students are not receiving enough aid to cover their tuition costs and are having no other choice but to drop out of Frostburg State and on their dreams of receiving a higher education.