Last academic year, MAP grants were in danger. Back in February 2016, Governor Rauner vetoed Senate Bill 2043 which provided $721 million in MAP funds.
Students from all over Illinois did what they could to, hopefully, make the governor reconsider his decision. SXU students raised awareness through social media, rallies, and visits to Springfield to support the MAP funds.
SXU students were close to paying the full MAP grant amount that was initially offered in their financial award letter. Students were advised through an email to set up an appointment with their financial aid adviser to create contingency plans in case MAP funds were not released. Some options included payment plans or an increase of loans.
However, on April 25th, Governor Rauner signed the legislations SB 2059 that provided $170 million which covered MAP claims from Fall 2015. A month later, on June 30th, the governor signed the legislation SB 2047 which would provide $151 million for MAP claims from Spring 2016.
President Christine Weisman informed the students through email that SXU would receive these funds and that contingency plans arranged previously to cover the funds would be canceled.
In all, students received their MAP grants for the academic year 2015-2016. On the other hand, MAP grants for the 2016-2017 have not been addressed. These won’t be discussed until after the presidential elections in November.
Miryam Villarreal
Senior News Editor