Trump talks illegal immigration, Islamic State group during visit to BR, page 2 No. 3 softball team opens season in Tiger Classic, page 3 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016
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Cuts, rising fees could increase cost gaps
LOSFA: TOPS funds to cease ‘until further notice’ Plus/minus GPA snafu leaves students uncertain BY QUINT FORGEY @QuintForgey The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance told TOPS-eligible universities Thursday afternoon it would suspend all TOPS payments “immediately until further notice” because of looming budget cuts to higher education. “The Louisiana TOPS scholarship fund is now so depleted that fewer high school students will receive awards, and current recipients are in jeopardy of losing their existing scholarships,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards in his televised State of the State address Thursday night. Though LOSFA’s announcement sparked widespread concern among students at Louisiana’s flagship university yesterday, it wasn’t the first time they were told the in-state scholarship had been stripped away from them. A communication snafu between the University and LOSFA concerning the new plus/minus grading system resulted in a number of students being mistakenly informed their TOPS scholarships had been revoked, confirmed state and University officials. TOPS does not recognize the University’s new plus/minus grading scale, instituted in Fall 2015, when calculating whether or not a student’s cumulative Grade Point Average qualifies him or her for the scholarship. “Some students had received notification from LSU that their TOPS award was on suspension because of grades,” said Deborah Paul, LOSFA scholarships and grants director. “But when the student checked our system,
see TOPS, page 7
Volume 121 · No. 19
thedailyreveille
BY SAM KARLIN @SamKarlin_TDR
POETRY I N
M O T I O N
Students celebrate Black History Month with poetry slam, open mic night BY ALLYSON SANDERS @allysanders97 hursday night, students from the University and surrounding colleges gathered to honor Black History Month by performing their interpretations of the theme “Reliving the Truth” at Sankofa, a poetry slam held in the LSU Museum of Art. Students spent the night reciting their spoken word poetry and rapping original songs as a part of the month-long celebration hosted by the African American Cultural Center. Throughout the night, attendees
also received complimentary tours of the museum’s Haitian art exhibit, The Carnival, The City, and The Sea. The word “Sankofa” comes from a Ghanaian proverb that means “It is okay to go back for that which you have forgotten.” The proverb’s idea of remembrance led to this year’s theme. Sociology senior Stephonie Rodgers, a Black History Month team member, said the theme is about past racism that can still be seen today. “We wanted to hit the concept of all the racial issues that are going right now and are ongoing. They’ve been
see POETRY, page 7
ANJANA NAIR / The Daily Reveille
While students and administrators contemplate a potential doomsday scenario of cuts to higher education at an estimated high of $65 million for the University, according to an administrative report, students, especially those from low-income families, could get billed in rising cost gaps from fee increases. LSU President F. King Alexander warned of fee increases nearing $1,400 per student this year alone if legislature does not find solutions. Gov. John Bel Edwards updated the scenario during a televised speech on Feb. 11 stating that the budget crisis could result in university closures. The situation is familiar for administrators and students, as the fight for funding for higher education, one of the few areas in state government not constitutionally dedicated to receive money each year, is a recurring, and sometimes semi-annual, affair. The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance educates students and parents on “cost gaps,” which are the costs of college after state and federal financial aid are awarded. According to a LOSFA report for the 2015-2016 school year, cost gaps for students can range from $9,168 to nearly $16,000. A student receiving $5,000 from their family, the minimum Pell Grant, a $7,122 Pelican Promise and a $1,500 Go Grant — the maximum allowed at the University — would have to find $15,739 to cover the remaining cost. The total cost of attendance for in-state University students, according to LOSFA, is $29,176, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses. LOSFA executive director Sujuan Boutté said all costs not covered by gift aid are passed along to the student, including the possible increase in fees this year
see COST GAPS, page 7