Regents Pass Resolution Helping Students Impacted by Shutdown

The Board of Regents passed a resolution aimed at financially assisting any enrolled NSHE student impacted by the federal government shutdown on Friday.

Earlier this week, Gov. Steve Sisolak sent a letter to Board of Regents Chair Kevin J. Page and Chancellor Thom Reilly requesting the Nevada System of Higher Education financially assist any student enrolled at NSHE’s seven-degree granting institutions who may be impacted by the federal government shutdown.

In a surprise appearance, Gov. Sisolak, a former Regent, came to the meeting to speak with the board and witness the vote.

“It’s very concerning that if the students or children of the workers are forced to miss a semester and break the continuity of their education that we’ll get them back into the system,” Gov. Sisolak told the board. “That’s a big concern of mine. We want to do everything we can to facilitate this and make it easier for the students.”

The resolution, which deferred registration fees and/or tuition for the Spring 2019 semester for enrolled students impacted by the shutdown, garnered full support from the Board of Regents.

Regents Chair Page said he was proud that the Board took quick action to help any student and their families placed in this unfortunate situation by no fault of their own.

“We appreciate Gov. Sisolak’s leadership on this issue,” Page said. “I’m glad we are able to help any student and their family who might be impacted by this situation.

Part of the federal government was shutdown Dec. 22 affecting about 800,000 federal employees, including approximately 3,000 Nevadans.

Students enrolled and currently planning to attend UNLV or the University of Nevada, Reno must pay their fees and/or tuition for the Spring 2019 semester by Friday, Jan. 18 or face late charges. Financial payments are due at the remaining NSHE institutions soon after.

The resolution would direct the Presidents of NSHE’s seven-degree conferring institutions to temporarily defer the fees and/or tuition and permanently waive any late penalty for students enrolled in courses for the Spring 2019 semester and who can show they are a federal worker or a financial dependent of a federal worker impacted by the shutdown.

The Board of Regents governs NSHE, set policies, and approve budgets for Nevada’s public higher education institutions, including the College of Southern Nevada; Desert Research Institute; Great Basin College; Nevada State College; Truckee Meadows Community College; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of Nevada, Reno; and Western Nevada College.