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About 40 student leaders and administrators met with Chancellor Biddy Martin Monday to clarify and introduce advancements to the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates.
In an effort to include the student voice to the greatest extent, the chancellor received an extension for when the final date the plan must be submitted to the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents.
“Since the original proposal was [April] 18, and the next Student Council meeting isn’t until [April] 22, the chancellor got an extension to work around the Student Council to verify all endorsement or lack of endorsement depending on how the next meeting goes,” said Associate Students of Madison member Chynna Haas.
ASM Student Services Finance Committee Chair Carl Fergus said the chancellor also clarified how the increased funding would be spent.
According to Fergus, Martin plans to allocate 50 percent of the increased funds toward financial aid while the remaining half will go towards technological innovations, student services, support for student organizations and academic and curricular development.
“She clarified more on what student services they are going to focus on,” Fergus said. “She included academic and peer advising, tutoring services, advising, peer mentoring and technology.”
Haas said she was also glad to see the chancellor further explain the $80,000 threshold that would ensure student financial aid for family incomes that fall below it.
“She made sure to clarify that students above the threshold can also qualify for financial aid, which is something a lot of students have been questioning,” Haas said.
Haas added the chancellor also included “price tags” to give students an idea of how much proposed expenditures would cost.
Though Martin’s presentation was over budget, Haas said it gave students a more realistic idea of how the money would be spent.
“Though nothing has been finalized, I think it’s helpful for students to have a ballpark figure because we can go in with a wish list, but without an understanding it won’t be useful,” Haas said. “Getting practical feedback is good. Wow they can see what services mean the most, and they can start figuring out what will be possible with the initiative.”
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“She made sure to clarify that students above the threshold can also qualify for financial aid, which is something a lot of students have been questioning,� Haas said.”
That’s nothing new. People whose parents makes above $80,000 qualify for financial aid before the increases. The initative still raises their tutition. Am I missing something here?
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Yes. You have missed the point entirely.
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I think it’s a good idea for Martin to get an extension. The student’s voices need to be heard on the topic and a compromise in regards to the plan should be reached. I can see why “the Madison initiative” is being proposed and how it will benefit Madison students. One of my professors made an interesting and bold comment, she said “this initiative is similar to the idea of progressive taxing.” After she made that statement, I can see why this initiative will be helpful for more disadvantaged students. From the estimates I heard, I don’t think the cost is too unreasonable for those who can afford it. I think many students will still be upset with the idea that tuition will be raised, but if they can understand how it may help the University, then maybe they’ll get on board. I wish a little more funding would be allocated to increasing the staff in departments, because I think more professors will benefit every student. Other than that, I think the initiative is an innovative idea and I’m curious to see what the plan will entail and whether or not it will pass.
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12:58- You seem to have a lot or snarky answers but do you actually have any intelligent ones to what Biddy was trying to say about financial aid for families making over $80,000?