Group proposes free education for students whose families make less than $75K

By Robin Hawbaker

Collegian Reporter

Members of the access and affordability Strategic Plan group examined ways to help low-income and international students at the University of Richmond including offering full tuition, room and board for all undergraduate students with a family income of $75,000 or less.

It was the most ambitious idea discussed Monday night in the Gottwald Auditorium during a forum co-led by James Monks, an E. Claiborne Robins School of business professor, and Nanci Tessier, vice president for enrollment management. Five students attended the discussion.

President Edward Ayers is holding a series of open discussions during the next two weeks to give students and staff the opportunity to comment on different parts of the strategic plan, which officials are aiming to finish by January.

The mission of the access and affordability group is to ensure, "the University will be accessible and affordable for students who can most benefit from and contribute to the educational environment."

Other options for making the university more affordable include giving two full scholarships per public school district to outstanding students from Richmond, Chesterfield, Petersburg, Hanover and Henrico; expanding financial aid for the T.C. Williams School of Law and establishing funds to support everyday expenses of low-income students.

To make the university more accessible to low-income and international students, the most ambitious ideas of the strategic plan include making standardized tests optional, making additional staff and support available, and establishing affordable programs aimed at prospective students.

During the discussion with students in attendance, Tessier said: "Students who are first-generation who come to your institution and graduate are catapulted into a different social group, and at the University of Richmond, that is part of our goal."

The group will meet again Oct. 20, and is planning to present to the Board of Trustees this winter. Any questions can be e-mailed to Monks or Tessier, or posted anonymously on the Stategic Plan's Web site.

Contact reporter Robin Hawbaker at robin.hawbaker@richmond.edu