Date

The Honorable Name Address Annapolis, MD 21401

Dear Senator/Delegate Name:

As an alumnus/alumna of Johns Hopkins University, I urge you to continue your support of the State's independent colleges and universities through the Joseph A. Sellinger Program. This critical institutional aid program strengthens the State's system of higher education by supporting a diverse array of educational opportunities for Maryland students and attracting students from Maryland and beyond.

It is my understanding that there are recommendations in the General Assembly to alter the State's support for the Sellinger Program by adjusting its formula to recognize in-state students only. It is important to clarify that the Sellinger Program is an institutional aid program. State funds are not provided to individual students, but are granted directly to independent institutions, which use Sellinger funds to meet the State's goals.

As a long-time Maryland resident, I want you to know that I strongly support the Sellinger Program and its current formula for allocating institutional aid. Many of my dearest friends at Johns Hopkins University came to our institution from outside the state. They came to Maryland specifically to attend Johns Hopkins University and today, a great majority of those out-of-state students are now in-state residents. Independent institutions help Maryland attract and retain the best and brightest students, both in and out-of-state students, who remain in Maryland after graduation, making significant contributions to research, industry, government, and the State's economy.

A severe reduction in the Sellinger Program will severely weaken my alma mater's ability to respond to the needs of the State and its students. Furthermore, I think that reducing the Sellinger program is contrary to the General Assembly's vision of a coordinated system of higher education that is an economic engine for the entire state. I urge you to preserve the State's historic partnership with the independent institutions through your support of the Sellinger Program.

Sincerely,

Name

cc:    William R. Brody, President of Johns Hopkins University
         Ms. Tina Bjarekull, President of MICUA

Date

The Honorable Name
Address
Annapolis, MD 21401

Dear Senator/Delegate Name:

As a Johns Hopkins University student, I strongly urge you to continue your support of the State�s independent colleges and universities through the Joseph A. Sellinger Program. This significant institutional aid program strengthens the State's system of higher education and helps students like me stay in Maryland.

Members of my campus community are telling me that there are recommendations in the General Assembly to alter the State�s support for the Sellinger Program by adjusting its formula to recognize in-state students only. I think it�s important to remind you that students do not receive Sellinger funds. Sellinger funds are institutional grants, which benefit all students, faculty, and staff. Some institutions, in an effort to increase accessibility and affordability for Maryland residents, use Sellinger funds to augment institutional financial aid for Maryland residents. Institutions also use Sellinger funds to recruit and retain minority students and faculty. It would seem to me that keeping Maryland residents in Maryland and expanding opportunities for minority students and faculty are wise uses of State resources. The Sellinger formula strengthens the independent institutions so that they may support the initiatives that are important to the citizens of Maryland.

As a student, and a Maryland resident, I benefit greatly from the State�s investment in independent higher education. Please don�t change the Sellinger formula. I urge you to preserve the Sellinger Program as it is currently structured.

Sincerely,

Name

cc:     William R. Brody, President of Johns Hopkins University
         Ms. Tina Bjarekull, President of MICUA