Financial aid to study abroad

However, no one is currently feeling those effects more than Denison students planning to study abroad, particularly international students.On Feb. 1, Vice President of Finance and Management Seth Patton released a letter explaining Denison's need based funding for off campus study will no longer be made available for international students.

Specifically, the letter stated, Providing an international study opportunity to students of need is primary to our financial aid commitment to off campus study programs. Because this opportunity is effectively already being fulfilled for international students through their four year program on the Denison campus, international students no longer will be eligible to receive Denison funding for an off-campus study program in addition to their Denison experience.

The change is permanent and affects all international students who wish to study abroad in the future.The financial sector of President Dale Knobel's senior staff made the decision.This evaluation was made solely out of need, said Patton, a member of the staff. Five years ago it was costing Denison $370,000 a year to run the study abroad program, and in these five years it's gone from $370,000 to $613,000. The price is taking off. Prices were projected to be even higher this year, possibly topping $700,000.

However, the policy was decided solely by the senior staff and included neither a debate nor a vote.The exclusivity of the decision has enraged some staff members.Sarah Leavell, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, said, I do realize the economic constraints we are under, although I am confused as to why something holding this much importance was passed so abruptly.Leavell thought there could have been a better way to handle this.In the admissions office, and especially in the senior staff, we analyze data all the time. We are constantly looking at projection sheets, plans and data. I don't understand why the school was so surprised at the increase in cost of the study abroad program, she added.