Student Government Association

About Us

The Student Government Association of Columbia College Chicago represents the student voice and endeavors to construct a more perfect union. It serves as a liaison between students and the faculty and staff, and administration in order to ensure the welfare of our unique and diverse art and communication community. Through leadership and strong representation, it strives to provide students with opportunities to grow academically, artistically, professionally, and personally.

SGA meetings take place every Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the Loft, located in the fourth floor of 916 S. Wabash, during the fall and spring semesters.

MAP Grants

Letter from Jessica Valerio, SGA President

Funding for the student need-based Monetary Awards Program (MAP) was cut by nearly $200 million this year.

This means that approximately 130,000 Illinois college students will not be receiving any aid from this program, at a time when financial need is higher than ever.

Over 3,000 Columbia students depend on this need to continue their education.

47% of MAP grant recipients come from a family with an annual household income of $20,000 or less. These students rely on every available penny to stay in school.

At one time, a MAP award would cover full tuition and fees for a student attending Columbia. However, due to the cut in funding, the maximum award that a student can receive in MAP grants will only cover 25 percent of Columbia’s tuition and fees.

MAP Grant funding cuts do not only affect Columbia students receiving these grants. Many students receiving MAP assistance are from minority backgrounds, and losing these students would ultimately mean losing the sense of rich diversity Columbia prides itself in.

State financial assistance for students pursuing higher education is an investment in their futures. MAP grants provide financial independence, personal achievement, and an ability to contribute to our communities and our economy.

Slashing funding that offers these kinds of long-term benefits to students and to society is truly short-sighted.

The Student Government Association at Columbia College Chicago is working to be a leading resource for our students looking to fight for restored MAP grant funding.

For more information please visit:
www.saveillinoismapgrants.org

MAP Grants: How to Get Involved

On Tuesday, September 29 at 2pm Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will be hosting a town hall meeting at UIC Student Center West. The SGA will be in attendance, and are encouraging any other students, faculty or staff interested in fighting for MAP grants to attend as well.

On Thursday, October 15 we will be traveling to Springfield to lobby state senators and representatives to restore MAP funding. We will be providing transportation to as many interested students as possible.

Beginning in October, SGA representatives will be seen at campaign tables around campus providing letters to send to your state senator or representative. If you would like a copy of this letter to send on your own, you can find it here.