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Student Involvement in UW System - Standing Committees

Wisconsin Higher Education Grant Advisory Committee

Description of Committee

The Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG) provides grant assistance to undergraduate, Wisconsin residents enrolled at least half-time in degree or certificate programs at University of Wisconsin and who demonstrate financial need.  The program is administered by the State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB), but the President of the University of Wisconsin System recommends the allocation formula to HEAB.  The WHEG advisory committee reviews various scenarios and cost projections and makes a recommendation to the President.  The Governor’s Budget includes $50 million in WHEG funding for the 2007-08 fiscal year.  Funding is provided on sum-certain basis, so not every student who is eligible for a WHEG receives a grant.  Grants are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, until funds are expended.

Time Commitment for Committee Members

The WHEG Advisory Committee meets by teleconference approximately four times between mid-January and the end of February.  Each meeting lasts approximately one hour.  Participants are provided different scenarios and expenditure projections (developed by HEAB staff) to review prior to each meeting.  The total time commitment for a student member of the committee should not exceed ten hours.

Who Pays for Student Participation in These Meetings?

Meetings are conducted by teleconference.  Students either arrange a phone connection through their campus, or call a toll-free number (provided).  No payment is made for participation on the committee. 

What is the Impact of Student Participation?

The Committee helps to determine the maximum grant size and, through that, the number of awards available to students.  A student representative can provide insight on the most valuable allocation of grant funds and help to balance the need for larger awards (with smaller numbers of grants made) or more, but smaller awards. 

Web Site

Information regarding the WHEG can be found on the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) web site:
http://heab.state.wi.us/

Contact

Gail Bergman, Director of Office of Policy Analysis and Research, 608-262-6718, gbergman@uwsa.edu.