Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon Visited CSU to Discuss Affordability in Higher Education

Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon met with students and toured Chicago State University's state of the art physics lab Thursday, November 15, as part of a statewide tour to promote affordable higher education.

Unlike other states, Illinois does not have a single official or cabinet position that oversees higher education efforts. Governor Quinn has asked Lt. Governor Simon to fill this role as his point person on education reform. "Higher education costs should be a higher priority for our leaders," Simon said. "We've set a goal to have 60 percent of working-­‐age adults hold college credentials by 2025. To reach our completion goal, we must make college more affordable."

During Simon's visit, she met with campus administrators to discuss MAP Grants, student aid, College Choice Reports and CSU goals for student completion. Further, Simon met with faculty and deans to hear more about academic programs and later had lunch with CSU presidential scholars and Student Government leaders including junior and Student Trustee, Stephanie Sanchez. Student leaders were eager to share their experiences with the Lt. Governor including their needs for more financial aid.

The Student Government Association has worked alongside faculty, staff, and administrators to improve affordability in higher education including a trip to Springfield on lobby day in spring 2012 to speak about the need for MAP funding.

Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon also with 16 other CSU students:

Debra Earl

Carynne Lloyd

Jeremy Robinson