Student Assembly

R.18 Supporting Cornell’s New Financial Aid Policy and Calling for Increased International Student Aid

Whereas, under Cornell University new financial aid policy announced November 14, 2008, students whose families earn below $60,000 and assets below $100,000 will not be expected to make a parental contribution effective Fall 2009,

Whereas, the new financial aid policy will cap need-based student loans at $7,500 annually for students who have financial need and whose families have annual incomes above $120,000,

Whereas, this new policy will also reduce the parental contribution for selected students who have financial need and whose families have annual incomes above $60,000,

Whereas, Cornell still has a limited amount of funding available for international undergraduates: only 10 - 15 scholarships are awarded to students in each entering class.

Be it therefore resolved that the Student Assembly lauds Cornell’s commitment in supporting a need-based financial aid program despite the current economic downturn;

Be it further resolved that Cornell continues to address financial aid issues for undergraduate students, including the inclusion of financial aid for international students;

Be it finally resolved that the Student Assembly will work with President Skorton, Provost Kent Fuchs, and Associate Provost Doris Davis, in efforts of continued support and improvement for Cornell’s new financial aid policy;

Respectfully submitted,

Rammy Salem
Minority Representative

Christopher Basil
Executive Vice President