Forum offers official look at financial aid

Last night's PennForum discussion moved away from its usual debate format to address financial aid, an issue critical to many Penn students. At the event, held in Stiteler Hall, panelists William Schilling, dean of financial aid, and Lee Stetson, dean of admissions, delved into this broad and sometimes complex topic from all angles. The group in attendance was comprised mostly of undergraduates who came to hear what these experts had to say about the financial aid system at Penn, and had the opportunity to voice their own questions and concerns about the process. "This is a creative event, since it is not in a debate format," said College sophomore Carrie Greene, the recruiting coordinator for PennForum who moderated the discussion. "We expect to see mostly students who have had some experience with the financial aid system and have questions about it." The discussion began with opening statements from Schilling and Stetson. Schilling clarified some key factors involved in the financial aid process, including the meaning of Penn's "need-blind" admissions policy. "Our goal is to overcome any financial obstacles for a student who wants to come to Penn, rather than to attract students to come here," Schilling said. "Our policy is to meet need, not to overmeet need." About 40 percent of Penn undergraduates receive financial aid grants, which total between $62 billion and $63 billion, according to Schilling. Stetson explained the close relationship between the admissions and financial aid offices. "When the admissions office goes about the process of accepting students, we need to know with confidence that the financial aid will help to make enrollment possible for everyone we accept," he said. Schilling and Stetson then answered questions from Greene and other student members of the PennForum board. "If you could implement one change to attract more needy applicants to matriculate, what would it be?" Greene asked both panelists. Schilling cited the ability to award additional grant money and lower the portion of aid covered by student loans. Stetson answered from an admissions perspective. "I would hope we could find a way to get to those students who have chosen not to apply to schools like Penn because they believe there is no way they can afford it," he said. "We want them to realize that they can and should apply." The forum was then opened up to students, who asked the panelists questions on a variety of topics, including the status of Penn's endowment, customer service in Student Financial Services, and the effects of outside scholarships on financial aid packages. "This is a relevant issue for me personally, since I am on financial aid," said College junior Chris Padilla. "I wanted to learn more about policies dealing with financial aid because I think it could be handled a lot better." Although most students attending the panel were recipients of financial aid, some had other interests relating to the topic. "I am a student on financial aid, so I am interested in how it is distributed and how this can be improved, but I am also writing a thesis on financial aid," College senior Amina Pasha said. Wharton senior Dan Hou, the administrative policy committee chair for the Undergraduate Assembly, came "to see what students had to say about financial aid, specifically the office's policy on scholarships," he said. Both Schilling and Stetson were approached by students with specific questions and concerns after the discussion. "I really enjoy talking with current students," Stetson said. "I see all the prospective students, so it's nice to be able to talk to them once they are here." PennForum, Penn's discussion society, usually holds debates on current issues relevant to students. Recent topics have included the drinking age, affirmative action and Iraq.