| Important Information about your MAP Grant
 As a student eligible for a 2009-2010 State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant, you should be aware the current budget scenario being presented in Springfield stands to reduce your MAP Grant significantly.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) recently advised all Illinois colleges and universities that under the present budget scenario – which has not yet been approved – they have less than 40 percent of their required operating budget. Unless there is a revised budget, ISAC has announced that they would only be able to fund MAP Grants in the fall semester. Additionally, the maximum award for fall would be reduced by $400.
For more information on the impact of budget cuts to MAP grants, please review this announcement on ISAC’s Web site at www.collegezone.com/elibrary/2290_13138.htm.
With a reduced fall award and no spring award, your maximum eligibility for the MAP Grant will be reduced by $2,907. Unfortunately, Benedictine is not in a position to replace the lost MAP Grant funds for our more than 1,000 students who are MAP recipients. If you are not able to cover the loss of funds from your savings or income, you’ll need to borrow (or increase your borrowing) from a Federal PLUS Loan or alternative loan. The good news is that this has not happened yet. Governor Pat Quinn and the four leaders of the Illinois General Assembly continue to work on a more realistic budget. Benedictine University staff are actively engaged in advocating for full funding for MAP, but
we need your help to be successful.
How you can help. Make your voice heard about the proposed budget cuts:
You and your family can be much more persuasive than we can be, letting decision makers know how their decisions will affect you directly:
- Call, e-mail or write your State Representative and State Senator to let them know how the State’s proposed budget cuts will impact you and how important your MAP Grant is to you and your Benedictine University education. Find your legislators’ contact information at www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx.
If you have any questions or need any more information before taking action, please call the Office of Financial Aid at (630) 829-6100 or e-mail financialaid@ben.edu.
Sincerely,
William J. Carroll
President, Benedictine University |
