UMatters

[The following was provided by Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.]

The Higher Education Act Reauthorization of 2010 limited the eligibility of Pell Grants to 18 semesters or the equivalent of nine years (900 percent Lifetime Eligibility). Beginning in the fall 2012, Congress will further reduced the duration of a student’s eligibility to 12 semesters (the equivalent of six years or 600 percent Lifetime Eligibility).

This new limit applies to all Pell Grant eligible students and is not limited to students who received their first Pell Grant on or after the 2008-2009 Award Year, as the HEA previously provided.  

UMKC has students who will be affected by the change. Until Pathway can be modified for the new awarding limits, the changes will be entered manually, and we will be extremely cautious when awarding Pell Grants to students for 2012-2013. 

Nancy Merz, director of financial aid and scholarships, is available to meet with advisors and other staff who work with students to further explain the awarding process.

As you work with students, please let them know that these changes are Federal regulations, and that the University is required to comply. For questions or further information, contact Merz at 816-235-1242 or via email.