Editor’s Note: An additional section about the resolution for Yahacov Dennis was added.

The student senate was given a presentation by EIU’s President of University Professionals of Illinois Billy Hung about the new Funding Formula for Illinois higher education. 

“We need to keep higher education accessible and affordable to as many people as possible,” Hung said. 

The total cost of college paid per dollar for by the state versus the student has nearly flipped in Illinois.  

“The student in 1975 was paying 33% of that dollar, and the state was paying 66%,” Hung said. “Compare it to 2015 the entire burden has been shifted. The state is now only paying 32% of the cost, and you all are paying 68%.” 

This change has led to a large financial burden on students. 

“For EIU, our average student loan is $21,000,” Hung said. 

Hung continued to explain the formula in further detail which can be found via the above link. 

Hung said that EIU is 61% fully funded according to the adequacy gap for where it should be. The funding formula is set to bring students up to 90% over 10 years. 

With the formula, EIU is hoping to get students more need that they require. 

“Forty percent of students at EIU are determined to have financial needs, and then of those 10% have all their financial needs met,” Hung said.

With the formula, the costs for students will decrease. 

“The costs will go down as a percentage, and with more resources we can provide more support services on campus.” Hung said. 

Hung explained why he wanted to present to student government. 

“As a student leader and body, you can help us get to this project get through, get the support,” Hung said. 

Hung suggested contacting state legislators with feedback. 

“The Funding Formula is being revised. They’re soliciting feedback from different stakeholders and the final revised form will be brought to the State Assembly for approval next session,” Hung said.  

The faculty union is looking for students to give support.  

“The faculty union [is] looking for students who will be willing to travel with us later in the semester and go to Springfield,” Hung said. “The more diverse voices we can have, the more compelling the story, the more likely that they will vote to support this.” 

Executive Vice President of student government Ameenah Morris connected the funding to the student lobbying day on April 23. 

“I think this is great,” Morris said. 

Senator Reagan Robson voiced for support for the formula.

“I think it’s so important for even smaller universities like Eastern to get more funding,” Robson said. 

Alongside Hung’s presentation, the senate appointed four new students. 

Freshman economics major Kamilla Nurdauletova, sophomore special education major Emilee Boyd, junior political science Kat Maxson and sophomore business administration Terrence Williams. 

The senate also approved a resolution to honor the life of Yahacov Dennis.

“The student government association recognizes the profound loss felt by the campus community and wishes to honor the memory of Yahacov Dennis for their contributions, kindness and dedication to the university,” the resolution reads.

The next senate meeting will be in Witter’s Conference Room on the fourth floor of the Booth Library on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. There will be a Valentine’s Day theme with gift baskets.  

Several upcoming events were discussed.  

There will be tabling events for information on senate elections. The events will take place on Feb. 10-12 and will all run from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the MLK Jr. Union’s Food Court.  

There will also be a financial literacy series hosted by business affairs on April 18, 21 and 22.

Jason Coulombe can be reached at 581-2812 or at jmcoulombe@eiu.edu.