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ScholarWorks > WMU > JCA > Vol. 6 (2021) > Iss. 2

 

Abstract

In 2017, the state of Michigan operated, and continues to operate, in an unstipulated policy environment related to undocumented students. There is no higher education commission or policy coordinating body in Michigan nor has the state legislature passed any legislation related to undocumented students or students who are DACA-eligible. Under this unstipulated policy environment, postsecondary institutions have the discretion to establish their own admissions policies and practices, including tuition and financial aid guidelines for undocumented students. Some institutions have stated their public support of these students through what they identify as inclusive and supportive institutional practices via their websites. However, these polices have created a nebulous environment which has created additional barriers for undocumented and DACA-eligible students trying to access postsecondary education. The lack of clear and consistent financial aid and admission policies across the state has resulted in a convoluted environment for undocumented and DACA-eligible students in applying to institutions. In this paper, we highlight how a group of undergraduate and graduate University of Michigan student researchers, both documented and undocumented, developed an instrument to analyze institutional policies related to in-state resident tuition, admission, financial aid, as well as the availability of dedicated student support services for undocumented and DACA-eligible students in the state of Michigan during the Fall of 2017. The data for this project has been turned into a website with updated (as of 2020) and available at https://uleadnet.org/mi-undocu-map.

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