Spring 2009
Committee:
President
Whereas, College students over the age of 24 are defined by the Department of Education Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as independent, and the majority of college students are under the age of 24 but are legally considered adults;
Whereas, many adult college students receive insufficient wages to afford college and at the same time afford living expenses;
Whereas, there are adults attending college who are not dependents of their parents, who receive zero family contributions, and, as independent adults under the age of 24 and self-supported, are denied financial aid due to the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) restrictions on grants and subsidized loans; and
Whereas, the appeals process begins only after a student is denied financial aid, which further limits the financial assistance available;
Resolved, that the Student Senate for California Community Colleges recommend that the FAFSA be amended to allow students who are under the age of 24, and who have maintained an independent status, to have the opportunity to prove their independence through submitting appropriate documentation during the initial FAFSA submission; and
Resolved, that the Student Senate for California Community Colleges recommend the appropriate documents coincide with the current requirements needed to appeal denial of financial aid.
Whereas, many adult college students receive insufficient wages to afford college and at the same time afford living expenses;
Whereas, there are adults attending college who are not dependents of their parents, who receive zero family contributions, and, as independent adults under the age of 24 and self-supported, are denied financial aid due to the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) restrictions on grants and subsidized loans; and
Whereas, the appeals process begins only after a student is denied financial aid, which further limits the financial assistance available;
Resolved, that the Student Senate for California Community Colleges recommend that the FAFSA be amended to allow students who are under the age of 24, and who have maintained an independent status, to have the opportunity to prove their independence through submitting appropriate documentation during the initial FAFSA submission; and
Resolved, that the Student Senate for California Community Colleges recommend the appropriate documents coincide with the current requirements needed to appeal denial of financial aid.