Stetson Reporter

Stetson Uniwersity September IS, 1992 Volume 105, Number ^ Tampke, the, n@w t:y; director'of ResJ;l}|^f'!^ pages ? •// •■ *x\\l - ff Sleisor^^A':'' generator of ,;hi2ard- x ous/toxip iWiiste^'* "T*,,? page8 ■■■■■'/ '<'■/ ■ ',.',:''• 1 #''Intramurals f kick off'fall season. ., page 10 ■ , • Students express their opinions on the new meal plan, page 6 Higher Education Act may mean more aid, more debt By Derek Ashworth Campus Life Editor This is the first in a series of articles addressing college financial aid. Responding to changes provided in the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1992, signed by President Bush several weeks ago, Stetson's Director of Financial Planning, Jack Agett, said. "My biggest concern is setting people up for expectations that won't exist." Agett was referringtothe changes the bill . made in three significant areas which are certain to have an impact on student financial assistance awards. Thebill redefined theclas- sification of a dependent versus independent students and raised the income limits for families eligible for both the Pell Grant (the federal government'sbasic aid program for students) and the Stafford Loan, which provides interest subsidies and federal repayment guarantees to private lenders. Though he continues to review the Education Act for its specific changes essentially the legislation will change the current formula used to determine a student's financial need. Unfortunately, while the number of students who qualify for the Pell Grant has increased the money appropriated by Congress has not. As an example, in July EDUCATION: AN EXPENSIVE INVESTMENT Congress increased "Pell" maximums from $3100 to $3700. Yet Congress underestimated the number of students who were eligible, resulting in a deficit of $1.4 billion. As a result, the maximum award was reduced to $2300. Theabilityforcollegestu- dents to borrow more money as opposed to receiving free money or grants has also alarmed the Director of Financial Planning. He referred to the growing number of students who face huge debts after graduation. However, he said, "I do not discourage students from borrowing for an education . . . [it's] the best investment any students can make." Critics of the new legislation agree with Congress and the president that the student loan program need enlarging. But the new law will provide every freshman with a "full lineof credit," government ensured, to any college at any price. Further more, there is a fear that this may allow higher- priced schools to raise their tuition even more. In a report from the Congressional Quarterly. Dallas Martin, president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, expressed his concern about one key provision that See Finance, page 4 pie photo '92-'93 SA Senators Elected By Erin O'Nei! Staff Writer The results of the newly- elected student senate have been tallied. There were many close races in all of the residence halls- most seats were won by less than ten votes. Every candidate in the Commuter category was elected They are Tanya Blair, Damon Brown, Farris Merritt, Brian Buzek. and Scott Schlegel. The new Commuter Senators all promise dedication to the students of Stetson. 4 Carson/Hollis had seven candidates, but the two Senators are Laurie Polsky, who offers "complete attention to the issues" at Stetson, and Ursula Wright, who promises to "provide strong leadership" as a senator. Michele Bird and Lisa Stewart were elected from Chaudoin Hall, offering teamwork as their goal. From Conrad Hall. Tomasita Rodriquez and Jennifer Roth were chose because of their commitment and excitement. Cindy Goldberg and Freya Gutterson plan to keep their residence hall, Emily, informed and keep themselves in direct contact with the students. Out of the eight candidates running, Gordis Hall chose the leadership qualities of Chritsopher Salierno and Smith Young. Melanie Cook's open mind and ambition along with Sally Elias's optimistic view of life, acquired both of them positions from Nemec Hall. Sheila McDonough and Serge Desir promise to provide Smith Hall with a responsible atmosphere. And over at Stetson Hall. Alyson Mitchell and Brian Motycka offer their hard-working attitude and good ideas to the stu-