Volume 125 Issue 114
kansan.com
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
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BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
GRANTED A CHANCE
University students receiving Pell Grants defy national trend of low graduation rate among recipients
MARSHALL SCHMIDT
mschmidt@kansan.com
Staci Krutsinger came from a single-parent household, and when she was applying to attend the University, her older sibling was already attending college.
"That made it more stressful to not only succeed, but harder to be financially stable. too." she said.
However, Krutsinger, a December 2012 graduate from Lee's Summit, Mo., was able to use Pell Grants, federal scholarships based on financial need, to pay for her geology degree. She also used her Pell Grant to achieve certification to teach 6th to 12th grade earth and space science from the UKAnTeach program, and she now works as a substitute teacher in Ft. Bragg, N.C., where she lives with her husband.
"Without the Pell Grant, I would be at least $15,000 more in debt," Krutsainger said.
Other Pell Grant beneficiaries, according to the University's Office of Institutional Research and Planning (IRP), are not as successful. Full time University students receiving Pell Grants have shown to be less likely to graduate than students who do not receive grants.
After six years, 47.5 percent of freshmen receiving Pell Grants entering the University in the fall of
2005 or 2006 completed a degree. The graduation rate for their classmates was nearly 62.8 percent.
This year, 4,536 University students, approximately 15 percent of the total student population, received Pell Grants, the office reported.
market opportunities limited and returned to school to improve their skills," The College Board's report said. "Too many students lack the information and guidance needed to make the best choices about what and where to study."
The University has set standards
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS PELL GRANT GRADUATION RATES
2005
2006
2005
• 501 full-time, first-time freshmen receiving Pell Grants
• 4-year graduation rate: 19.4 percent
• 5-year graduation rate: 37.3 percent
• 6-year graduation rate: 44.1 percent
2006
• 469 full-time, first-time freshmen receiving Pell Grants
• 4-year graduation rate: 23.9 percent
• 5-year graduation rate: 44.3 percent
• 6-year graduation rate: 51.2 percent
The lower degree completion rates among Pell Grant recipients at the University is part of a national trend, according to a recently published study by the nonprofit College Board Advocacy and Policy Center, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The study said that many nontraditional students — students 25 years or older — now receive the grant. The study also noted that many recipients are simply not ready for college-level work.
"Many workers found their labor
to have Pell Grants renewed to help ensure that students stay on track. The satisfactory academic progress standards, include completion of at least 24 hours each academic year at the University and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA, according to the University's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
"Even though I couldn't qualify and didn't get any other scholarships, I still had a set standard to uphold to make sure I could get that money," Krutsinger said.
Jon Heaver, a junior from Sterling
Heights, Mich., is another student, like Krutsinger, who has bucked the trend. Heaver qualified for his Pell Grant based on low family income and high ACT score. Heaven is on track to graduate next year with a degree in music education.
"It had allowed me to spend less time worrying about paying for college, and more time to focus on my studies." Heaver said.
Since Heaver does not need to work while in school, he has been able to travel around the country as a gigging musician.
"Due to the fact that I have had time to travel and make music around the country, I already have a number of job opportunities coming my way, in both the U.S. and the U.K." Heaver said.
Heaver has already been asked to apply for a music director position.
Brandon Woodard, junior from Topeka, is also taking advantage of the financial assistance provided by a Pell Grant while serving as vice president of Student Senate.
"I would not be able to attend KU if it weren't for the grant, and because of this, I've been able to get involved outside of the classroom," Woodard said. "The Pell Grant has provided me with an opportunity to afford a post-secondary education."
Edited by Nikki Wentling
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Jon Heaver, a junior from Sterling Heights, Mich., would not be able to play in the KU Marching Jayhawks, the KU Wind Ensemble or the KU Symphony Orchestra without the financial assistance of Pell Grants. As a successful Pell Grant recipient, Heaver defies a national trend of Pell Grant recipients struggling in their studies.
SOAKING UP THE SUN
GEORGE MULLINIX/KANSAN
Mackenzie Eveland, a junior from Louisburg, Eyestone, a junior from Manhattan, and Lauren Wooden, a junior from Overland Park, sit at the Chi Omega fountain on Tuesday, April 30. Tuesday saw a high of 82 degrees.
CAMPUS
Minister ends 22-year career
KRISTA MONTGOMERY
kmontgomyery@kansan.com
When asked whether or not he'd ever considered a "normal" job, Thad Holcombe just laughs.
"No, I love this one so much," Holcombe said. "It isn't 'normal' but it's cool."
Holcombe, Ecumenical Campus Ministries at the University of Kansas since 1991, will retire this month, leaving behind a legacy of community and
minister of
Holcombe
social justice. Gustin Bova, a student leader at the ECM, describes Holcombe as a "benficent hustler." and it's not hard to see why.
"Thead has contributed a love and passion for humanity and justice that he just can't keep to himself," said Jillian Strobel, a recent graduate. "It's gone viral."
Professor of Environmental Studies Kelly Kindscher said Holcombe has given students an opportunity to get involved with issues that are important to them. Veggie Lunch, Alternative Breaks,
It was at the Faith Forum, a weekly open faith discussion, that recent graduate Cody Jackson got to know Holcombe better.
"To see how radically accepting he is as a human being and the effect he has in the community — I don't think can be overstated, because this is a radical place," said Jackson.
"There's always going to be more questions," Holcombe said. "If you ever get settled, I get worried."
the Fair Trade Committee, Faith Forum and the Sexuality Education Committee are several of the student-led groups held at ECM addressing those issues. For Holcombe, faith has a lot to do with the questions brought up by these issues.
Amy Thompson, a junior, remembers being immediately welcomed by Holcombe the first time she attended the Thursday Veggie Lunch as a freshman.
"A lot of students come in here not because they're looking for God, but because they want to engage and do something about the concerns that they have," Holcombe said. "For me that's the moving of the spirit."
"I told him I was an atheist," Thompson said. "I was kind of testing him to see if he would, like, shun me or something. To Thad, I was a person, not just an atheist."
For Holcombe, even a conversation can reflect God. He says he's felt that presence throughout his time at ECM.
The 108-year heritage of ECM won't end with Holcombe's retirement, although it's clear he will be dearly missed as a friend and leader.
"It's a big part of why he does what he does, and how he sees the world," Free said. "I'm not a Christian, but I feel so comfortable here. I feel like we can share the same values and act on things for similar reasons, and it's wonderful."
"He is leaving us with a legacy of resilience, resistance and the know-how to move forward," Strobel said.
Ali Free, a junior, says that
Index
CLASSIFIEDS 7 CRYPTOQUIPS 5 SPORTS 8
CROSSWORD 7 DPINION 5 SUDOKU 8
Holcombe talks about his faith in a way that doesn't exclude any other belief.
Edited by Alyssa Scott
All contents, unless stated otherwise, © 2013 The University Daily Kansan
Don't forget
Today's Weather
We forgot.
Night t-storms. 60 percent chance of Wind Stc at 20 mph.
HI: 71
L0: 38
A tragic end to the sunshine.