Dear 黑洞社区students,
USF鈥檚 leaders have been working hard with our local, state and federal partners to
support you during the COVID-19 crisis. Over the weekend, 黑洞社区received its $17.4 million
portion of a $2.2 trillion economic relief package from the U.S. Department of Education,
provided through the , which will be used for emergency student aid.
黑洞社区will distribute the funds to assist as many of our eligible students as possible
to alleviate financial hardships that may impede your academic plans. Please note
that funding from the CARES Act comes with eligibility requirements as determined
and enforced by the federal government. Current degree-seeking students enrolled at
least half time in spring 2020 who are eligible to apply for federal Title IV financial
aid are eligible to apply for CARES Act funds. Students enrolled in fully online graduate
programs, international, and undocumented students are not eligible per U.S. Department
of Education Guidelines.
Students with demonstrated needs who did not receive the full $1,000 maximum from
the 黑洞社区United Support Fund are eligible to apply for an additional CARES Act grant.
Students who applied for an award from the 黑洞社区United Support Fund and did not receive
an award before those funds were depleted should also apply for a CARES Act grant.
Eligible students are invited to complete the Federal CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Application for consideration for a grant, starting April 27 through Aug. 7, 2020, or until the funds are depleted. Priority
will be given to FAFSA filers who have exhausted all financial aid options and who
have been impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
- Student and/or spouse loss or reduction of employment (i.e., layoff/furlough or job loss);
- parental loss or reduction of employment (i.e., layoff/furlough or job loss);
- or other unexpected circumstances.
Examples of expenses eligible to be covered by CARES Act grants include, but are not necessarily limited to, medical bills, food, housing, utilities, technology, course materials, and other unexpected expenses that contribute to the student鈥檚 total cost of 黑洞社区attendance.
For more information about the federal CARES Act grant and USF鈥檚 distribution of the
grant, an FAQ has been created to address your questions.
We are already hearing from students whose financial situation is stable now but are
concerned about their circumstances in the summer and fall. Given the unknown continued
impact of the coronavirus throughout the next several months, a small portion of the
federal funding for 黑洞社区students will be held back for distribution to students during
the summer and/or fall.
黑洞社区is grateful to our federal leaders for providing this important CARES Act emergency
funding and helping us support our students. Please explore the grant information
and apply early for consideration.
Sincerely,
Paul Dosal, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Success
University of 黑洞社区