Average students rewarded
Campus Times
February 27, 1998
cartoon by Stephanie Lesniak
Often, it seems the only students who receive any financial aid are
those considered to be "needy" by the government, although the
government's assessment and that of the average person tend to differ. With
the new "merit awards" (for lack of a better term because they
have yet to be titled), new incoming students will be awarded based on academics.
Whether it is need based is questionable. Adeline Cardenas-Clague, dean
of academic support and retention services, said the awards are "strictly
no-need based. Regardless of the student's need, the student is eligible."
Dr. Len Hightower, executive assistant to the president, said although
the awards have "added a greater emphasis on academic achievement and
also just general recognition," need is still a determining factor.
"It's hard to say what the amounts are because we don't really
know how the need will impact the award amount for each individual student,"
said Dr. Hightower.
Cardenas-Clague said that students with an approximate grade point average
(GPA) of 3.5 and above would receive the $6,000 Trustee Award; 3.0-3.49
would receive the $5,000 Founders Award; and 2.6-2.99 would receive the
$3,000 1891 Award.
The merit awards do have a terrific purpose and it is important that
the University has implemented awards based on scholastic achievement. It
is about time that middle-class "not-so-needy" students receive
some sort of reward for their hard work. Although if these GPA facts are
correct, the awards may be double-edged swords.
The minimum GPA requirement for entrance at the University of La Verne
is 2.6. If students receive a $3,000 award for the minimum, what purpose
does it serve? There is not much incentive to do better than just minimum
achievement. And what does that say to prospective students, especially
when there are other students working hard?
It is great rewarding students for academic success, but by rewarding
those who meet minimum requirements, ULV is portraying that "minimal"
is not only acceptable, but deserves recognition. Giving automatic awards
to students upon acceptance defeats the purpose of recognizing the students
who are working towards excellence, going above and beyond the minimum requirements.
