Eastern students learned via email Saturday they had just one final day to apply for MAP Grants, which is the earliest deadline in the program’s history.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) suspended announcements of 2015-16 MAP Grants for applicants whose initial FAFSA is received by the Central Processing System.

The MAP Grant is given to students who are Illinois residents, based on their financial need and information provided though FAFSA.

Early FAFSA submission by prospective students contributed to the deadline for MAP Grants, which was Feb. 21. A number of students said they did not see the email in their Panthermail, and believe the early deadline puts some students at an unfair disadvantage.

FAFSA became available during winter break, and money for MAP Grants is awarded on a first-come first-serve basis.

Any frustration toward Eastern’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship regarding the notification is misguided.

The university was notified of the deadline a half hour before they sent the email to students, who are made aware of their responsibilities as a college student their first day on campus.

Although the deadline’s formal announcement seems inconsiderately short, it is students’ job to check and maintain their Panthermail and Paws accounts on a regular basis.

An easy way to make sure you stay up-to-date on all campus emails and notifications is to set up an email alert on your cell phone, and create specific folders to highlight incoming mail from high-importance senders.

Additionally, students have received multiple MAP Grant notifications throughout the school year, and are encouraged to apply early to secure a better chance of being accepted.

It would be unfair and a true example of “killing the messenger” to blame Eastern offices for the late notification.

As far as ISAC’s timing is concerned, it is wise for students to file their FAFSA early since the deadline for MAP Grants is contingent upon the number of completed FAFSA paperwork submitted by qualifying students.

The daily editorial is the majority opinion of the editorial board of The Daily Eastern News.