Gov. Granholm's visit provides the perfect opportunity for students to speak up
Gov. Jennifer Granholm is coming to Central Michigan University Thursday to talk about the Michigan Promise Scholarship. She will speak at an open event 9:15 a.m. Thursday at the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium.
Students are encouraged to attend the event and voice their opinions to the governor regarding the Promise.
The Michigan Promise Scholarship was cut from the state budget before the beginning of this semester, leaving many students without their $4,000 scholarship for passing the Michigan Merit Exam. The scholarship had to be cut from the state budget in order to keep the state running. Many students were depending on the scholarship to help pay for classes and living expenses. The cancellation has sparked fierce debate around campus without any direct action.
But meetings such as these could help change all that.
This is an opportune moment for students to get involved and tell Granholm directly how they feel about the cancellation of the Michigan Promise. Granholm has her hands full trying to balance the budget, boost the state economy and create jobs so people will stay in Michigan. Despite her busy schedule, Granholm is creating the time to come and talk to CMU. Students should try and show the governor the same courtesy.
An early 9:15 a.m. start time isn’t every student’s favorite time. Sleeping in and early classes will no doubt deter most students from showing up to the Park Library Auditorium.
But if students are truly as passionate about the Michigan Promise as they say they are, they’ll show up and listen to Granholm. Wake up and let her know that the scholarship is needed. Skip class and let your professor know ahead of time if need be and demand an explanation as to why students aren’t receiving the money they were expected to.
Speaking to the governor one-on-one in her office would be much more awkward than speaking to her on campus, where students are every day. The chance to speak to Granholm face to face in such a comfortable setting may not happen again for a long time.
The scholarship is more than just money for college students. It’s an incentive for young people to seek higher education in Michigan and make their home state better. It’s encouragement for high school students to do well on the Merit Exam, showing the state the strengths and weaknesses of our public school systems.
There’s been enough talk on campus about what Granholm should do with the Michigan Promise. Now it’s time to tell her directly. Don’t let the chance slip away.
