Graduate campus offers new grants
Omkar Baxi
Issue date: 4/10/09 Section: News
According to Robert Chang, a doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering, several graduate students on the Philadelphia campus have expressed frustration at what they consider to be unfair and unwarranted grant offerings at a fledgling campus.
Others wish to see a more stringent application for the grants.
"I can understand why Drexel is [offering grants to applicants in California], especially in these economic times, to attract talent and establish Drexel's reputation in the Sacramento area. However, I don't think these grants should be given out willy-nilly to any unemployed students, but rather be merit-based with strict accompanying criteria," Chang said.
According to Oxholm, Drexel has made significant impacts throughout the Sacramento region.
"People are taken aback by Drexel's progressive actions, and they prove that Drexel will be a big partner in the Sacramento area. [As a result of policies like the Bridge to the Future grants], Drexel is becoming known throughout the region as a top-tier university, which ultimately helps all of our students when they look for co-ops or jobs around the nation," Oxholm said.
Although accurate estimates of how many grants will be awarded cannot be made, the number seems to be low. Oxholm said in the current class, only one student has been eligible for the grant, and Englund commented that the financial aid appeals board has not seen a significant increase in appeals since the economic downturn. Ultimately, the money Drexel earns by renting out its Sacramento classrooms to area businesses during the day will offset the cost of any grants awarded at the Sacramento campus.
The Bridge to the Future Grants will be offered for the 2009-2010 academic year and will be considered for future years depending on the economic state of the region, according to Oxholm.
"We want to give students the confidence of a fall back, remove at least some of the uncertainty that potential students might feel and give them the confidence that they can complete our degree program once they start it," Oxholm said.
Others wish to see a more stringent application for the grants.
"I can understand why Drexel is [offering grants to applicants in California], especially in these economic times, to attract talent and establish Drexel's reputation in the Sacramento area. However, I don't think these grants should be given out willy-nilly to any unemployed students, but rather be merit-based with strict accompanying criteria," Chang said.
According to Oxholm, Drexel has made significant impacts throughout the Sacramento region.
"People are taken aback by Drexel's progressive actions, and they prove that Drexel will be a big partner in the Sacramento area. [As a result of policies like the Bridge to the Future grants], Drexel is becoming known throughout the region as a top-tier university, which ultimately helps all of our students when they look for co-ops or jobs around the nation," Oxholm said.
Although accurate estimates of how many grants will be awarded cannot be made, the number seems to be low. Oxholm said in the current class, only one student has been eligible for the grant, and Englund commented that the financial aid appeals board has not seen a significant increase in appeals since the economic downturn. Ultimately, the money Drexel earns by renting out its Sacramento classrooms to area businesses during the day will offset the cost of any grants awarded at the Sacramento campus.
The Bridge to the Future Grants will be offered for the 2009-2010 academic year and will be considered for future years depending on the economic state of the region, according to Oxholm.
"We want to give students the confidence of a fall back, remove at least some of the uncertainty that potential students might feel and give them the confidence that they can complete our degree program once they start it," Oxholm said.
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