MSU Denver President Stephen Jordan received an ovation during a Jan. 15 rally at the state Capitol and endorsed the latest Colorado ASSET Bill, which would grant undocumented Colorado high school graduates in-state tuition at state institutions of higher education.
Jordan told hundreds of students and ASSET supporters that MSU Denver has backed ASSET legislation over the years. He noted that after an ASSET bill failed in the legislature’s House Finance Committee last year, the University’s board of trustees created the Colorado High School/GED Non-resident Tuition Rate in June for undocumented students. This spring semester, there are 258 students enrolled under the new rate, up from 237 last semester. Three CHS/GED students graduated this fall.
Jordan said the mission of MSU Denver is to provide access and affordability to all Colorado students, including undocumented students who were brought here as young children by their parents.
At the rally for the latest ASSET legislation, Senate Bill 13-033, Mayor Michael Hancock complimented MSU Denver for taking the lead on the non-resident tuition rate.
“Dr. Jordan has received a lot of push back for his courageous stand on behalf of the children of this state,” Hancock said. “And Dr. Jordan, today, with Senate Bill 33, this is a tribute to your work and to the common goals that every one of us have in claiming our assets and investing in our young people.”
Senate Bill 13-033 would allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if they meet the following criteria:
– The student must attend a Colorado public or private high school for a minimum of 3 years.
– The student must graduate from a public or private high school in Colorado or obtain a general equivalency diploma (GED) in Colorado.
– The student must apply and be admitted to a Colorado institution of higher education.
– The student must submit an affidavit stating that he or she has applied for lawful presence or will apply as soon as he or she is able to do so.
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