Yesterday, the SHEFA board headed by Jose Mafnas decided to “suspend” the incentives to those enrolled at Framingham for fall 2011.
The board cited “economic” reasons and some “concerns about the program” which they did not openly discuss during the meeting.
Variety was told that Framingham students are full-time students who are also currently employed.
SHEFA secretary-treasurer Vina Saures said their decision might be questioned because it seemingly “singled out” the Framingham students.
But SHEFA vice chairwoman Josephine Sablan said there is a need to suspend the incentives.
SHEFA Administrator Henry Hofschneider said there’s an issue about the Framingham program which they can’t disclose yet.
Mafnas said giving incentives to student who didn’t earn them is unfair to other students who are striving to get the required GPA.
Sablan said they are also looking at cost-effectiveness so that SHEFA can continue to provide assistance to students.
“We’re aiming at Framingham now but eventually a lot of these grants and awards, because of our limited resources, will be reduced,” she said.
Sablan’s motion to suspend the incentives, was supported by Saures and John K. Tenorio.
“I know I would be bombarded by those students,” Sablan later said.
Hofschneider also submitted the eligibility list number 4, containing 20 applicants found eligible to receive financial assistance.
He said 13 are Framingham students, each of whom is supposed to get $1,000 in incentives.
This award is given to students who meet the required GPA.
In an interview after the meeting, Mafnas admitted that it’s not fair to suspend the award.
“Anytime you cut something like this it’s not fair but what can you do?” he asked.
Sablan said “this is just the beginning and we have to make some projections with regards to current funds.”
If revenue continues to decline, Sablan said SHEFA will not be able to continue giving assistance to all students.
The scholarship program is funded by Saipan’s poker license fee collections.
