Proposed Changes to Need Grant Could Negatively Affect GU Students
By: Matt Lyons, Financial Aid Counselor
Dear Gonzaga Parents & Caregivers,
We hope all is well and that your student is enjoying their time here at GU. This is the time of year when new bills are being proposed to our state government. Currently, Senate Bill 5820 (SB 5820), which focuses on new Washington State Need Grant (WSNG) Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements is being proposed. The changes proposed in SB 5820 center around reducing the annual grant amount and creating stricter GPA requirements, decided by the state for both incoming and current college students. These new GPA requirements, as well as reducing funds, would likely have negative consequences on GU students.
Currently, GU determines what constitutes satisfactory academic progress for students according to strict federal guidelines. Our standards are consistent with requirements for graduation and for progress within majors. With an institution based satisfactory academic progress policy, we are able to look at each student case individually. At Gonzaga, we pride ourselves on caring for our students intellectually, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. By keeping the policy within our institution, we can continue to provide the care our community of students and alumni have come to appreciate.
For incoming high school students, SB 5820 would likely deter students from GU. Most of our incoming students take Advanced Placement classes in high school to try and prepare themselves for college. Taking challenging courses may hurt their GPA. This new state proposed requirement would not encourage students to take a risk by signing up for more challenging classes. In addition, low-income students, the primary students eligible for the WSNG may be at a disadvantage under the new proposal, because they may need to work, which may affect their GPA.
As a member of the Gonzaga community and recent alum who received the WSNG, I would like to let you know that the students who receive this award would be negatively impacted if the grant amount decreased. It would be much more difficult to attend and graduate from GU. Our office would like to encourage you to reach out to your state government officials to learn more about SB 5820 and voice your views about the new proposal. You can use the following website to voice your concern: www.icwashington.org/action. Do not hesitate to reach out to our office if you would like to learn more about GU’s financial aid policies and procedures and how the WSNG impacts our community.
Thank you for taking the time to read this,
Matt Lyons – Class of 2014
Financial Aid Counselor
509-313-6582