University May Oversee Council's Grants-in-Aid

The Student Council will try to find a better way of administering its Grants-in-Aid plan and may turn the whole program over to the Financial Aid Center.

The Council last night authorized Irving K. Zola '56, chairman of the Aid committee, to investigate the program. Zola had assured them that its purpose was not being fulfilled and could not be so long as it was administered by an undergraduate committee.

The program will probably be retained, with short-term loans, scholarships, or beneficiary aid being administered and awarded by the Financial Aid Center and given under the name and general stipulations of the Student Council.

Zola said that students have often taken advantage of the Council because it did not have access to the private income statements made out by parents. Many of the grants have been as low as $10, which is, according to Zola, "the cost of a date."

He said that he and his committee members have no way of telling whether those applying for the loans are telling the truth and whether they really need money. "Many of the students who are refused assistance by the University offices--which have information about their finances--come to us and get aid," he said.

Zola speculated that such an arrangement might make students think twice before they decide "rather than squeeze yourself more, just go to the Student Council."

Awards Continue This Year

The Council and Zola's committee will, however, continue to administer the funds this year in the regular way. The funds are "to help students out at a bad time of the year and to assist those who do not qualify for scholarships because of grades but need aid."

The Council also authorized a committee to set up an Academic Freedom Week if possible. It will probably be held late in April or early in May. The committee will try to secure prominent speakers on the subject.

In further action, the Council set up two additional committees: one to investigate Saturday attendance, the other to study religion on campus, particularly the possibilities and advisability of a Department of Religion.

Edwin C. Kemble, professor of Physics, recently recommended that action be taken to stop students from cutting Saturday classes in the General Education courses.