The Vista Feb. 24, 1998

Page 1

University of Central Oklahoma

TUESDAY February 24, 1998

The Student Voice Since 1903

Clinton cuts Perkins loans By Mark A. Schneberger StailWriter

F

Marry me? UCO student Chris McKenzie proposes to his girlfriend, Stephanie Aldridge, inside Hamilton Field House. McKenzie popped the big question in front of a crowd of 2,200 during half time at the UCO men's basketball game Thursday. (Staff photo by Bryan Terry)

irst-time students to UCO could have a difficult time getting federal Perkins loans, next year, thanks to a cost-cutting measure proposed by President Bill Clinton. Clinton, in his recent budget proposal, unveiled plans which may slash the available funding for the Perkins Loan Program by nearly half, according to a report from the Washington budget office. The Perkins program makes low interesting-bearing loans available to the most needy students, who often cannot receive federal grants. Undergraduate students are eligible for up to $3,000 yearly, and graduate students are eligible for $5,000 per year in Perkins Loans. According to the President's plan, however, the available loan fund could be cut by $750 million next year, to an all-time national low of $90 million. The amount awarded nationally last year was $165 million. Of that, UCO was awarded $25,000. The national cutback means fewer loan dollars could be available for returning UCO students in academic year 1998-1999, and a chance that Perkins loan money may not be readily available for new students, said Sheila Fugett. Student Financial Aid director. "There is not a lot of new money to help them, so we could have a harder time," she said. "If (UCO) doesn't get much new money there's only so much we can do." Chris Martin, sophomore, did not like hearing the news about the loan V See LOANS, Page 3

INSIDE

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* NEWS UCO President Roger Webb addresses UCO's problems and offers solutions. 3

* SPORTS UCO's men's and women's basketball teams finish season with home victories.8

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MUSIC Ryan Danner critiques Dallas band Old 97's album Too Far To Care. 9 •


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