University of Northern Colorado staff in March testified in support of a bill that Gov. Polis signed into law this week that expands state financial aid to eligible undocumented students. 

During the spring semester, Vice President Katrina Rodriguez, Ph.D., and Assistant Vice President Tobias Guzmán, Ph.D., who lead UNC’s Division of Campus Community & Climate, appeared at the state capitol before the Colorado House Committee on Education during deliberations of HB 1196.

Passage of the bill expands upon in-state classification granted in the ASSET bill and allows state aid to be awarded to undocumented students who have resided in the state for at least three years before graduating from a Colorado high school or passing a high school equivalency exam.

In 2018-19, 73 new and returning undergraduates qualified as ASSET students.

“UNC supports the legislation because it speaks of equity and inclusion, positively supports families of Colorado and is a logical next step in efforts to erase the achievement gap and support students to graduation,” Guzmán said.

“At UNC, we have seen a dramatic increase in our Latino and Latina identified student population and since the passing of the Asset Bill in 2013 and the UNC board was unequivocally supportive of the asset bill, we have witnessed a growth in our students with DACA, ASSET, and TPS (Temporary Protected Status) designation.”