Salisbury University students on campus

May 12 CARES Act Emergency Student Grants Available

5/12/2020 4:15 p.m.

Members of the SU Community:

In March, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which included funding to assist students through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. SU has been granted a pool of CARES Act Emergency Grant funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships identified approximately 4,000 students meeting federal criteria to receive immediate CARES Act assistance. Earlier this month, SU became the first institution in the University System of Maryland to distribute CARES Act funding based on this eligibility. These students received credits up to $550 to provide reimbursement for travel and technology expenses they may have incurred as residence halls were closed and SU classes moved online earlier this semester.

Additional CARES Act funding has been allocated for SU emergency aid applications. Students who meet enrollment, U.S. citizenship and satisfactory academic progress requirements; are Title IV eligible; and have incurred expenses in excess of the aforementioned credits because of the disruption of campus activities due to COVID-19 may apply for reimbursement through this fund. Applications are available at https://salisbury.academicworks.com/opportunities/1747.

Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to:

  • Assistance with the purchase of food;
  • Needs related to housing/rent/utilities;
  • The purchase of additional course materials as a result of changing to the online format;
  • Technology-related needs; and
  • Assistance with health care and/or child care expenses.

While federal restrictions do not permit the use of CARES Act funding for those not identified as U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, non-degree students or students enrolled in online programs, SU provides a resource for individuals in those categories through the Student Emergency Fund. Current students struggling to attend SU due to COVID-19-related expenses or other essential needs, including those who do not meet CARES Act eligibility, are encouraged to apply for assistance at www.salisbury.edu/administration/student-affairs/emergency-fund.

For more information about the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief fund, visit www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/caresact.html. For more information on SU’s CARES Act funding, please email finaid@salisbury.edu or visit the Office Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage at www.salisbury.edu/admissions/financial-aid.