Delta in forgiving students debt a total of 3.6 million
Delta College’s Board of Trustees voted to eliminate any current student debt —totaling roughly $3.65 million — during its meeting on Dec. 14, 2021.
“The proposal on deck this evening is to utilize CARES Act/HEERF funding … to discharge all outstanding student debt currently recorded in the financial system at San Joaquin Delta College,” said Dr. Amanda Preston Nelson, then the vice president of administrative services.
Nelson came up with an estimate of $3.65 million in budget spending for the student relief program.
Nelson said the proposal was encouraged by the Department of Education, which is urging schools to consider debt relief as use for CARES Act funds.
“We would also release any financial-related holds on transcripts, on student accounts for enrollment purposes. … This would essentially allow students to re-enroll or potentially transfer.”
Teresa Brown, a member of the board of trustees, spoke favorably about the debt relief plan, comparing it to a similar program at Modesto Junior College.
“I think this definitely benefits the students, it takes a lot of the worry out of how they’re going to pay for their debt, but it also puts us in the same position. Modesto Junior College has done this and they’re shouting it far and wide on the radio, billboards, and ads,” “I don’t want our students to feel we’re not showing concern for them.”
Charles Jennings was one of the board of trustee members who also favored student relief. “That’s a great point and I saw a news story over the weekend that CSU Sacramento’s adopted a similar resolution.”
Not every board member agreed.
“I just think it’s a shame to turn around each time and forget the students are responsible and then call it, it’s okay,” said Liz Blanchard, vice president of the board.
How does the forgiveness program work for Delta students?
The forgiveness program will be covering student debt that applies for Fall 2021, but will not cover any fees for Spring 2022.
“It’s important to note that the debt forgiveness applies only to Fall 2021 and earlier. So, if students have news fees showing up related to Spring 2022, those are not covered by the debt forgiveness program,” said Alex Breitler, director of Marketing and Communication and Outreach at Delta.
Breitler also encourages students to continue to pay other student loan debts to the federal government as the program only covers debt owed directly to Delta College in the form of unpaid tuition.
“We’re excited to be able to do this for our current and past students; hopefully it will ease their financial burden a bit and allow them to continue pursuing their educational goals,” said Breitler.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta has been focusing on how to get students back on their feet with their education journey. For example, the temporary program on giving free books to those who can show proof of vaccination back in Fall 2021. RTD has also offered free rides for students since the Fall 2021 semester.
