On December 12, 2012, Christopher Otten, a GSU’s student senator, attended a roundtable discussion at DePaul University about the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP). The Illinois MAP is a grant that is distributed to eligible students of need in higher education. Every year, the amount allotted for the MAP Grant is threatened due to budget cuts in Springfield by the General Assembly, and many eligible students miss out on the opportunity to receive the grant due to fast depletions of funds. At DePaul’s roundtable discussion, Governor Pat Quinn was present to discuss the future of the MAP grant with current students.
According to Otten, the state may potentially cut MAP funds by nearly $30 million. Many students who attended the event were upset, and some had the opportunity to speak about how the MAP Grant helped them receive their college education. Otten’s advice is to “remember that the MAP Grant is first come, first serve – so get your FAFSA applications in early!”
Would you like to represent Governors State University the way that Christopher Otten did? Become a Student Senator!Stop by Student Life on the second floor of the A building (A2100), and pick up an election packet. You can also download the packet on the Student Senate website at www.govst.edu/studentsenate. Completed packets are due on February 21st.
Don’t forget to visit us on our Facebook page to find out more information about current Senate events and activities. Welcome to a new semester, and I look forward to your campaigns!