By Chirsti Mathis, SIU News Service 

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale has claimed the No. 1 rank on Online Colleges’ “10 Online Colleges with the Best Financial Aid Opportunities in 2017.”

OnlineColleges.com recently released the rankings, placing SIU at the highest spot from among 969 colleges and universities evaluated.

Online Colleges representatives said editors evaluated and scored multiple variables related to student finance to obtain the rankings. The rankings take into account both the online programs offered and the financial aid opportunities available to students.

Grants and scholarships graded higher than loans

Though loans play into the rankings, grants and scholarships, particularly those offered by the institution, are especially valued in the formula used to determine the ranks. The data analyzed also included the net cost, alternative tuition plans offered, the percentage of students receiving financial aid and the average aid offered.

SIU noted for extensive program offerings and commitment to diversity

A profile of SIU is featured along with the rankings list. The profile highlights the university’s diverse and extensive bachelor’s and master’s degree online programs, the high ranks for percentage of the student body receiving financial aid and the average amount of grant and scholarship aid awarded to students. Also noted is the university’s commitment to diversity and making education accessible to everyone through financial aid opportunities.

BENTON- The following motions were approved at the Monday, Jan. 8, Benton City Council meeting.

Benton Street Commissioner Donnie Wyant made a motion to approve an ordinance for a three-way stop at the intersection of North Commercial and Burkett Street. Wyant added, “We have about 1,200-1,400 feet from Washington St. to Joplin St. with no stop signs or nothing, and I’m getting phone calls from people that have grandkids and kids out there, saying there’s speeding out there.” The ordinance passed 5-0.

Finance Commissioner Miller also approved a resolution to look into establishing usage fees at Twin Oaks.

Please click on the link to read the full story from the Benton Gazette.

http://www.bentongazette.com/news/three-way-stop-voted-in-at-benton-council-meeting/article_5712987a-f96e-11e7-bbb7-a7d94039e2df.html

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-Muprhysboro ) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan Securing Our Schools (SOS) Act establishing a pilot program through the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make panic buttons more available to local school systems. The legislation is supported by the National Sheriffs Association and the National Education Association.

“Response time is vitally important during emergency situations, and the SOS Act provides life-saving technology to contact first responders immediately when these incidents take place at schools,” said Bost. “This serves as both a deterrent from and front-line response to situations that place children and educators in harm’s way. As a father and a grandfather, I’m working to ensure our nation’s children are provided with a safe environment to grow and learn.”

“Every parent should have the confidence when they send their child off to school that he or she will return safely home,” said Schneider. “The bipartisan Securing Our Schools Act will improve the ability of educators to notify first responders in the event of an emergency to better protect the security of students, teachers, and faculty. I’m pleased to partner with Congressman Bost on this commonsense legislation to improve school safety and look forward to building support in the days ahead.”

“On behalf of more than 3,000 elected sheriffs, the National Sheriffs’ Association is proud to endorse the Securing Our Schools Act,” said Jonathan F. Thompson, Executive Director and CEO. “In a time when schools are vulnerable to threats, this bill helps law enforcement work effectively and efficiently to protect lives. I applaud the bipartisan efforts of Congressmen Bost and Schneider and look forward to working with them to ensure passage of this key legislation.”

Background:

The SOS Act would provide a more immediate method of notifying law enforcement and first responders in case of a medical emergency, active school shooter incident, or natural disaster. The legislation would authorize the DOJ to offer grants to local school districts for buying and installing SOS buttons in classrooms. Each grant awarded under the program would cover 75% of equipment purchase and installation costs (up to $200,000). School districts would provide the remaining 25% in matching funds.