SB 1908 – Increases the maximum statutory grant under the Monetary Award Program (now $4,968) by $500 per year for 3 years, subject to appropriation. The bill has passed the Senate and is in House Rules Committee.
HB 5905 – Provides that military personnel (and their dependents) who were stationed in Illinois for 3 years before being reassigned out of state are eligible for in-state tuition rates. The bill is on 3rd Reading in the Senate.
SB 2691 – Implements recommendations of the Campus Security Task Force, mandating that each higher education institution prepare an all-hazards emergency response plan and exercise the plan at least annually. The bill has passed the Senate and has been assigned to House Rules.
Call her Doctor Senator: Hunter delivers commencement address at alma mater
“Don’t spend your life dreaming about what you want to do or the kind of person you want to be. Go out and be your own person.”
Those were among the words of wisdom given to graduates at Monmouth College by Senator Mattie Hunter during the 151st commencement May 18. Hunter (Class of ’76) returned to her alma mater as commencement speaker and received an honorary doctorate, recognizing her achievements in public service.
Consultant briefs legislators, ICCB, ISBE on state needs
Carrying the message that Illinois must improve education attainment among ethnic and racial minorities, Aims McGuinness briefed a variety of stakeholders on progress in developing a Public Agenda for Illinois Higher Education. McGuinness is senior associate for the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS), and addressed the Senate Higher Education Committee, met with several legislators individually, spoke to the Illinois Community College Board and Illinois State Board of Education to explain six major issues facing the state. He highlighted two themes – eliminating achievement disparities between minority students and whites and luring adults back into higher ed to obtain a postsecondary credential or degree.
