This is in response to the letter written by Tiffany Renee Weis about her troubles gaining independent status. Your letter was very clear and stated my feelings exactly. Last spring I “won” my battle for independent status, but not without a fight.

My advice to you is going to get the Financial Aid Office very upset, it worked for me and it might work for others. There are three (sometimes four) things you must do in order to even be given the time of day when you request independent status.

1. Call 1-800-333-INFO. This is the Federal Pell Grant phone number (312-948-8550 is the state number, but don’t call it first). They’re very understanding and can tell you whether you have a case for independent status.

2. Call your local/community college and pretend you’re going there. Explain your financial situation and ask if they could give you any help. Ask for page references in the Student Financial Aid Handbook. This is a guidebook used by all colleges, and NIU must follow those guidelines.

3. And finally, being fully armed with the knowledge that you are indeed independent, call up Jerry Augsburger, our director of Financial Aid. Confirm your phone call with a letter. Cry if you have to. Do anything to make your case heard. Have your page references ready and fire away. Be specific and be prepared to document your situation in writing with three letters of support from people like ministers, counselors from high school or anyone familiar with your personal circumstance.

There is a number four. While the director of Financial Aid must review your case, if his opinion doesn’t satisfy you, then and only then, take step four. In writing, appeal your case to the NIU Board of Appeals. Every university is required to have a board of appeals or some appeal process. At NIU the person to see is the associate vice president of Student Affairs.

Although this is a solution for an individual problem, it will not change the system. Ms. Weis is correct in suggesting we write our legislators.

Remember, keep fighting and don’t give up. Good luck!

Nora L. Schattke

Junior

Elementary education