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Save Student Aid

Save Student Aid

Federal student aid funding for 2012-2013 academic year may be in jeopardy. Federal programs (like the Pell Grant Program) are currently being funded by a temporary spending measure that is set to expire on April 8 . Pell Grant funding is now caught up in the ongoing Congressional debate on the federal budget. Congress could reduce awards when it finalizes spending levels for the remainder of the 2012 fiscal year. Congress must also provide funding for the "campus-based" award programs.

Learn more about Student Aid Funding and the Federal Budget Process
Why This Matters
The Faces of Student Aid

Take Action Now to Preserve Federal Student Aid Funding

As a Catholic and Jesuit institution, Loyola is committed the cause of social justice. We encourage our students to participate in the electoral process as it is critical in living a life as "men and women for others" who are aware of the needs of all members of society.

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States
A budget moral framework:
What is more important than debt, deficit, and tax reduction?
by Fr. Fred Kammer, SJ [JustSouth E-Newsletter, April 2011]
Economics or morality?
When a budget is not an economics exercise
by Fr. Fred Kammer, SJ [JustSouth E-Newsletter, February 2011]

We encourage everyone to learn about the issues and communicate their feelings to their Congressional Representatives. We know that members of Congress are going to have to make some very difficult decisions over the next few weeks.

If you feel that these programs are important to families, we need you to act now to persuade your congressional representative and senators to vote to provide sufficient funding for the federal student aid programs.

There are two ways you can help:

1. Contact Your Elected Officials and Tell Your Story

Find your elected officials

Here are some simple ideas:

Email: It is simple to send a message and make a statement. Be respectful and explain why you feel these programs are important. If you are comfortable, please copy us on your email so that we are aware of which representatives and senators have been contacted by the Loyola community.

Video: Tell your story with authenticity. Be creative. Be respectful. If your phone has a video camera, that's great- It doesn't need to look professional. Load it onto YouTube and email us the link. Share it with your friends.

Phone: Call the your representative's or senator's office directly. A 30 second call, telling your story in a respectful tone, can make a huge difference. End the call with " Please maintain funding for federal student aid programs". Make the call. Have friends call separately from their phones.

Snail Mail: Your experience with student aid is a story that will get read. You can pool a bunch of letters together and bring them to the financial aid office (110 Marquette Hall). Please send us a copy of any letter that you send directly to your representative or senator.

Visit your Legislator:
Legislators make time to meet their constituents. Be respectful at all times. Use the links at the top of this section to learn how to contact them.

Share with us: Shoot us an email so that we are aware of your efforts. We appreciate hearing your story.

(Thanks to the Independent Colleges of Washington for these suggestions )

2. Join the "Save Student Aid" Facebook Campaign

Join the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators' Save Student Aid Facebook campaign! Together we can make a difference. Ways you can help are: