LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today applauded the University of Michigan Board of Regents for revising campus policy to grant an out-of-state tuition waiver to regular active-duty personnel who are living in Michigan, regardless of the location of the military assignment. The waiver would extend to their children and spouses.
"The men and women who volunteer for military service make incredible sacrifices for our country," Ebli said. "The families of military personnel make sacrifices as well. Students who attend high school in Michigan and show a commitment to stay in our state by applying to colleges here should be not be penalized if a military parent is transferred out of state."
U-M's policy on determining who qualifies for in-state tuition came under scrutiny earlier this year when Joshua Guedesse of Monroe was denied the in-state rate because his father was transferred to a military installation in Illinois. Ebli began intervening on behalf of Guedesse, contacting University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman and others.
Under the approved rule change, children of active-duty military personnel can qualify for in-state tuition if they enroll full-time in high school or an institution of higher education, and have completed at least their junior year of high school.
"The University of Michigan needs to be commended for changing its rules when this policy gap came to light," Ebli said. "This action shows the commitment of the university to support our military families."
Guedesse was granted residency status in May. The University of Michigan Regents approved the revision to campus policy last month.
"I want to thank Representative Kate Ebli for taking such an early, and strong, interest in my case," Guedesse said. "It's very gratifying knowing that the University of Michigan has amended its guidelines so that other students in my position will not have to fight for in-state tuition. I'm looking forward to my first semester attending my top-choice school. If it weren't for this policy change, I would not be starting school in a few weeks as a Wolverine."