State Student Financial Aid Policy Discussion
During the December 4, 2008 CBHE meeting in Kansas City, presidents and chancellors participated in frank discussions with CBHE members on the topic of state student financial aid and the proportion of such aid provided to students attending each educational sector. In preparation for future public policy discussions on the topic of the state's student financial aid programs, the Commissioner of Higher Education requested from presidents and chancellors the following:
- Identification of data elements and summaries the MDHE could provide that would add value to the public policy discussion.
- Any institutional research and analysis about your students who receive state financial aid.
- Position papers about what should be Missouri's public policy on state student financial aid.
As of January 30, 2009, twelve submissions were received as follows:
- Four public four-year institutions
- Three independent institutions and one collective response from the independent sector
- Three public two-year institutions
- One former legislator.
The information submitted varies greatly in the number and type of issues discussed. Links are located at the bottom of the page that provide direct access to copies of the information submitted by each organization. The department has also received correspondence from a number of individuals regarding this issue. Those items are not posted on this site but are being maintained in MDHE files for future reference.
In addition, the MDHE has developed a document summarizing the materials submitted by the original deadline (Jan 9), which is also linked below, to help provide for a more informed discussion at the upcoming February 2009 CBHE meeting. Please know that this summary does not attribute specific positions to individuals. Though it attempts to be inclusive, it could not incorporate every detail of the submissions. Furthermore, the summary does not evaluate the accuracy of statements made, draw conclusions, or make recommendations. Rather, it is intended to underscore the complexity of the overall topic and highlight the variety of issues and perspectives identified.
The summary is organized around topic headings and is intended to provide a starting point for discussion and further comment.
MDHE staff has prepared a preliminary data report that provides recent utilization data and other relevant information. A link to this report is included below. Any additional comments received in response to the Commissioner’s request or the linked documents will be added as they are received.
In preparation for the upcoming discussions at the February 12, 2008 CBHE meeting on the Wildwood Campus of St. Louis Community College, MDHE staff developed an agenda item for the board book that will outline a structure, process and key questions for discussion by presidents/chancellors and CBHE members. Any suggestions about ways to ensure the discussion at the CBHE board meeting will be professional, utilize time effectively, and result in value for participants are welcome.
The CBHE and the MDHE are committed to ensuring that all perspectives are heard and to seek future directions that will be in the best interests of Missouri citizens.
MDHE Summary (PDF)
Preliminary Data Report (PDF)
Avila University (PDF)
Carl Bearden, Former Missouri State Representative (PDF)
Independent Sector of Missouri Colleges and Universities (PDF)
Linn State Technical College (PDF)
Missouri Western State University (PDF)
Missouri Valley College (PDF)
Mineral Area Community College (PDF)
Park College (PDF)
Southeast Missouri State University (PDF)
St. Louis Community College (PDF)
University of Central Missouri (PDF)
University of Missouri System (PDF)
The following link provides access to free software you can use to view these documents.
Adobe Reader
