Aiding Student Independence

To the editors:

I read with interest Laura L. Krug’s article “On their Own: Making It Add Up” and wanted to offer a clarification of our guidelines for considering student requests for financial independence from their parent(s) (News, April 10).

As with all student appeals for reconsideration of financial aid awards, The Committee on Financial Aid considers carefully and in confidence the individual circumstances of the student. It is our goal to support the College experience of all students, and to do so within the construct of our need-based financial aid policy.

Our revised guidelines for considering student requests for financial independence from parents were formulated in response to a growing concern from various individuals and groups, including University President Lawrence H. Summers, that requiring a two year leave of absence as an automatic condition of consideration for independent status was not in the best interests of all students. The resulting guidelines that require a student to work with a counselor in Health Services or the Bureau of Study Counsel, and to be willing to participate in mediation with parents if deemed appropriate by the counselor, offer students support from the College offices best suited to dealing with the range of difficult situations faced by students.

The recent Undergraduate Council resolution which I read also with interest in Krug’s article, in fact, echoes our guidelines that require the clinical opinion of an “impartial, independent, University-appointed psychologist” regarding the nature of the alienation. It is important to note that while mediation is in most cases an integral part of the process of formulating that clinical opinion, the psychologist will always consider carefully individual circumstances with the general health and safety of the student in mind.

In developing this policy we have attempted to respond to students with genuine difficulties, while recognizing the importance of maintaining an equitable program for the vast majority of families who maintain their financial commitments. While we cannot discuss individual cases, I can assure you that we care deeply about the best interests of all students, and that we encourage individuals with concerns about any financial aid policy or decision to contact us at (617) 495-1581.

Sally C. Donahue

April 10, 2003

The writer is the director of financial aid and a senior admissions officer for Harvard College.