Jeffrey Jacobs, NDSU Student Financial Services director, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to emphasize the importance of the Pell Grant program and suggest changes.

Representing the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Jacobs and colleagues from Penn State University and Lane Community College in Oregon met with education staff members from the offices of Colorado Rep. Jared Polis, Oregon Sen. Roy Wyden and North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.

The visitors shared their campus-level perspectives on various proposals for the re-authorization of the Higher Education Act, discussed simplifying student loan repayment and pushed for more flexibility in the Pell Grant program.

"We'd like Congress to establish a 'Pell Well,' so families know how much they'll have to draw from. That way they can plan better," Jacobs explained. "There would be more communication with the student's family – here's what you'll have for the entire academic career, versus having to apply every year."

The May 27 visit to Capitol Hill was intended to bring awareness, according to Jacobs.

"Because Congress was on recess, it was more relaxed. We were able to spend more time with the staff, and that was an advantage for us," he said. "It gave us a chance to get into more depth on the topics, so they had a better understanding."

The national organization posted a story on Jacobs' visit, which can be viewed at www.nasfaa.org/advocacy/pipeline/NASFAA_Members_Talk_PPY,_Pell_To_Lawmakers.aspx.

As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.