Recently Governor Granholm and other state leaders confirmed news reports that the state budget is under stress and that funding from Lansing will be reduced in the months ahead. It is very likely that Michigan’s colleges and universities will see their state aid cut during the current fiscal year. It is my commitment to you that Grand Valley State University will not raise tuition for the rest of this academic year even if state aid to the university is reduced.
I want you to know that we can accomplish the necessary adjustments without affecting direct services to students. We will fulfill our class schedules and registration commitments. We will fully fund the scholarships we’ve awarded and honor all of our commitments for financial aid. And, we will continue to plan infrastructure improvements for future years in order to preserve the Grand Valley experience for current and prospective students.
I also recognize that personal financial situations may have recently changed. I encourage students with an emergency financial need to visit the Office of Financial Aid.
State finances are in uncharted waters. The national economic slowdown has significantly affected the auto industry and other businesses upon which the State of Michigan depends for economic stability. We also know the vital role that Grand Valley will play in creating opportunities and in shaping our graduates for their future jobs and lives in Michigan. Therefore, I ask for your understanding and cooperation in the months ahead. It is essential that we work together to ensure enrollment stability along with Grand Valley’s reputation for high quality, value, efficiency, access, and affordability.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Haas
President
AUDIO CLIPS
- Haas says services to students will not be affected (audio clip)
- Haas says Grand Valley will fulfill its commitments to students (audio clip)
- Haas says Grand Valley -- and higher education in general -- is one of the solutions to the economic crisis in Michigan (audio clip)
- Haas says Grand Valley will adjust its budget in a way that will not affect services to students (audio clip)
