Senate
1.
CALL TO
ORDER
The meeting started at
approximately
2. MINUTES OF DECEMBER MEETING
The minutes were discussed and adopted.
3.
PRESENTATION
BY MR. KELLAM, DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL
AID OFFICE
David Ifill asked why freshmen receive more financial aid than upperclassmen.
Mr. Kellam replied that financial aid is not based on GPA and classification, it is totally based on the information given on the students FASFA. The amount of aid allocated to each student is determined by a congressional formula changed each year. This formula takes into account the number of family members in college, expected family contribution, state of residence and other factors. He added that federal aid has been cut and probably continue to be cut but he is still trying to offset loans and fees.
Dr. Holden added that the maximum amount allowed for the Pell Grant is $2500 and that is with the expected family contribution of $28.
David commented that there was not enough exchange of information between the students and the financial aid office and that some of the staff has not handled the students concerns in a professional manner.
Mr. Kellam said that there has been no feedback from the students. The financial aid office has been giving financial aid workshops and asked for support from the SGA.
Captain Levy asked if there was anymore information on alternative sources financial aid e.g. unsubsidized loans.
Mr. Kellam replied that he did not want to give students too much aid in the form of loans because they would be burdened with a considerable debt after graduation.
Capt. Levy asked if the University could get special loans like other aeronautical schools do with banks. He cautioned that it would not be wise for every school to do so.
Dr. Holden reiterated Mr. Kellam’s point of not wanting to leave the students with too much debt post-graduation.
Capt. Levy expressed concern over his observation that students are not advised on alternative ways to fund their education.
Mr. Kellam replied that he did not want to give students too much financial aid in the form of loans because they would get the school in default and affect other student’s financial aid.
Dr. Walther wanted to know if it is possible to get financial aid from companies.
Mr. Kellam wanted to have a partnership with Boeing but it fell through.
4. C0MMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs
Ms. Dadson received 3 proposals from Graduate Affairs. They requested change of course number (2) and the introduction of a new course. They were passed by the Curriculum Committee. Ms. Dadson informed the Senate of a course being required by the accrediting body which requires a course (online) that will be administered by the Library to each student about proper use and procurement of literary sources. There was a debate on whether to pass the request, a member of the Senate reminded the Senate that it would have to be done anyway and it would be a waste of time arguing abut it since it would have to be put in effect anyway and no matter what we said, the Office of Academic Affairs would implant how and when it would be placed into the students curriculum.
Dr. Bass said that the Board of Reagents allows 1 credit hour for lecture and .5 credit hours for 1 hour of supervised lab.
Student Affairs
David asked for faculty input into the Student Concern Committee.
Library
Dr. Parveen asked for members of the Library Committee.
Mumbi, Dr. Poole, and Ms. Dadson offered their services.
5. OTHER ISSUES AND NEW BUSINESS
Dr. Gupta asked about a letter issued by the Governor in which amount for the cost of living and marriage had been adjusted.
Dr. Singleton also asked about the health insurance provided for the faculty.
Capt. Levy asked if there is any minimum or maximum credit hours guidelines for courses.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at
Submitted by:
Ms. Mumbi Thande-Kamiru, Secretary