Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

38 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THENo new loan applications have been received as of this date.The Committee has reviewed its responsibilities in view of currentCommittee policies and operating procedures. Several procedural changes arebeing recommended at this time so they may be adopted without the need towait for the approval of the next (1997) Synod. These follow.1. Recommendation: That the name of the Committee be changed from theGraduate Study Fund Committee to the Graduate Study Committee.Rationale. The Graduate Study Fund Committee has no funds over whichit has any authority; the Synod has no Graduate Study "Fund" set asidefrom which graduate study loans are made, therefore no "Fund" reallyexists. The proposed Committee name is more accurate.2. Recommendation: That two annual deadlines for accepting loanapplications, September 1 and April 1, replace the present annual May 1deadline. Also, that the words, "of the year prior to the calendar yearfor which they are requesting financial aid" be deleted from currentpolicy.Rationale: The present Committee policies (adopted by Synod, 1989;see Minutes of Synod, 1989, pp. 120-122) state that, "those applyingfor financial assistance from the Graduate Study Fund should make suchapplication by May 1st of the year prior to the calendar year for whichthey are requesting financial aid." Thus, it is now necessary for anapplicant to have submitted a request at least eight months in advance ofthe calendar year during which studies are anticipated. Since most studiesare likely to start in the fall, the probability that a person may have toapply sixteen months in advance of the actual need is very real. It is alsounrealistic.Further, two annual deadlines will allow the April 1 deadline to servethose starting their studies either in the summer or the fall of the sameyear. The fall deadline will serve those beginning studies in the semesteror quarter following January 1 of the next calendar year.This will be consistent with the currently pending recommendation beforethe Synod by the Business of Synod Committee regarding "Plans for theNo-Synod of 1996" as it pertains to the Graduate Study FundCommittee and the availability of funds for calendar year 1996 "loanapprovals."(Recommendations for procedures to accommodate loans beyond 1996will be brought to the 1997 Synod by this Committee.)Thus, this recommendation serves the following purposes: (I) it providesa more realistic planning timetable for the applicant; (2) it is consistentwith the Business of Synod Committee recommendation for 1996; and(3) it is more consistent with common practice among student loanprograms for study in higher education.3. Recommendation: That all follow-up responsibility and documentationfollowing approval of a loan be the responsibility of the DenominationalTreasurer on behalf of the Trustees of Synod.