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NMI students’ college tuition now more affordable
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Posted on Apr 22 2002
CNMI college students studying in Hawaii can now avail of tuition similar to the rate offered to Hawaii residents following a decision by the University of Hawaii system to adjust the course fees.
Pat Grossman, Admissions Counselor for International Students at the UH-Hilo, informed acting Scholarship Administrator Meliza Guajardo of the good news last week.
The change, according to Grossman, was a result of Northern Marianas College acting president Dr. Barbara Moir’s direct intervention, when she met with UH system officials last April 5, 2002.
Guajardo said the directive classifying CNMI students as residents in terms of tuition rate can now afford more local students to attend institutions within the UH system, including two-year community colleges, as well as, the four year universities, at considerably lesser prices.
She added that this translates to an average of 50 percent savings for local students.
“Thanks to Dr. Moir, a lot of students can pursue their goals and attend UH system institutions as residents,” said Guajardo.
According to Grossman, the University of Hawaii Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs has directed that: “Effective immediately, the nonresident classification of residents of the Northern Marianas has been rescinded; therefore, all residents of the Northern Marianas are to be given the statutory exemption.”
“We were directed to charge the nonresident tuition rate for residents of the Northern Marianas effective January 2002. We are very happy to report that the system has reversed itself. This doesn’t happen often so we’re celebrating!,” Grossman told Guajardo, via an e-mail message.
The UH-Hilo admissions counselor also expressed appreciation to Dr. Moir’s efforts in convincing UH officials to make the significant tuition adjustment.
“She has made a lot of students happy,” he said.
CNMI students seeking to document their residency at the UH-Hilo are advised to complete the certification of domicile form, with a copy of their passport or birth certificate.
The domicile form is available at http://leka.uhh.hawaii.edu.
