Miami University is helping in-state students endure the financial crisis after the Ohio has changed funding available to students. The state decided to reduce the Ohio College Opportunity Grant by 60 percent. The grant typically funds financial aid to in-state students, and Miami students receiving the grant could lose up to $750 per semester.
The university decided to honor the aid the state originally promised the students and is using institutional funds to replace the promised state grants with Miami grants. The university also chose not to raise in-state tuition for the fall 2009 semester, despite the state's decision to remove the freeze.
In a time when Miami's budget is being cut and anticipating more cuts in the future, it is comforting to know the university is staying committed to its original promises, even when the state of Ohio cannot afford to. The state took away money students assumed they would receive, making it difficult for students to plan in advance for these increased costs.
The editorial board of The Miami Student commends the university for staying true to its commitment of minimizing the negative impact of the current economic situation on students. By stepping up and saying they will not let the state to pull the rug out from under these students, Miami is showing true loyalty to their students and promises.
Miami has consistently said it wants to try and make any budget cuts in areas that will be unnoticed by students, and by doing everything it can to keep tuition as affordable as possible, Miami is keeping its actions consistent with this goal.
In anticipation of more budget cuts in the future, the board hopes the university remembers its commitment to students and these actions serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished when Miami chose to go beyond legal obligations and find a way to not only do what is right, but what is best for the students.
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