Student Emergency Funds - American Relief Fund
Message from the President
Students: I’m thrilled to announce that we are now inviting applications for another round of emergency grant funds to help offset additional expenditures you may have incurred as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The Department of Education released funding provisions to higher education on January 15, 2021. Additional information and the on-line application form can be found below for your use. We hope you will use the application to help you receive assistance for the coming semester. Stay safe, and best wishes to you as you continue your education path.
Roger D. Drake
President
Student Emergency Support Fund Application – American Relief Fund (ARF 2022)
The U.S. Department of Education has provided guidance to universities for the distribution of a third round of emergency grants to college students. These funds provide students with financial aid grants, which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance, or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus. These costs include tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care or child care.
Students who are experiencing an unanticipated and/or temporary hardship resulting from an emergency and/or crisis situation related to COVID-19 may apply for an emergency financial assistance grant from the CMU Student Emergency Support Fund. The amount of each emergency financial assistance grant awarded will vary based on circumstance and the individual’s need.
The number of students who will receive grants is subject to the availability of funds. Approved grants do not need to be repaid. Students may receive more than one grant during the semester, but priority will be first to cover all students with an initial grant. When requested, receipts and/or documentation must be provided within 2 business days.
Due to the number of requests for support from the Student Emergency Support Fund, applications are being reviewed in the order they are submitted. Available funding is limited. We hope to assist as many students as possible; however, we cannot guarantee all funding requests will be fulfilled.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be enrolled in a CMU session on or after 3/13/20.
- Effective 5/12/21: DACA, Undocumented, and International students are eligible.
- Have demonstrated an exceptional financial need.
- Be in good academic standing, as determined by the University.
- Both CLAS and CGES students are eligible.
- Students may be full or part-time.
- Each round of awards may have different limits and award conditions.
Examples of Expenses Considered
- Assistance with Tuition
- Assistance with rent, alternate housing accommodations, and/or utilities.
- Assistance with groceries/food and/or other essential household expenses.
- Medication(s) and/or other costs related to medical care.
- Books, computers, and/or other essential academic expenses.
- Any other expense that reflects an emergency need for a student, as deemed to be appropriate
Application Process
Students who are in need of Student Emergency Support Fund assistance should submit an application and documentation if requested. The Student Emergency Support Fund Committee will review the submitted application and determine the appropriate funding amount. Grant amounts awarded will vary based on circumstance and need, with maximum awards per category. The Committee will review all applications on a rolling basis and in the order that they are submitted. The number of students who will receive grants is subject to the availability of funds.
Disbursing of Funds
Approved grants will be disbursed through the method set up on the student’s MyCMU. If the student is enrolled with direct deposit it will be sent to the student’s account within 3-5 business days from date of approval. For students who do not have a direct deposit account, a check will be available in the Business Office.
Questions can be directed to: studentCARESgrants@36837a.com
