Dear Marshall University students,
Marshall University expects to receive federal stimulus funds from the U.S. Department of Education to provide emergency financial assistance for our students who have economic hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While we have not yet received the stimulus funds, we are finalizing details of an application process so we can roll out the program quickly once the funds do arrive. We anticipate beginning to accept online applications for direct cash grants later this week or early next week, based on Department of Education funding and guidance. The university is committed to providing assistance as quickly as possible to our students who are struggling to make ends meet during this challenging time, and anticipate that application requirements will include information regarding specific needs and simple supporting documentation.
These grants of up to $1,000 are intended to help current Marshall students with personal or family situations that meet the following criteria:
- Reduction in personal or family household income due to job loss, reduced work hours or temporary furlough;
- Costs related to the transition to online learning;
- Medical expenses; or
- Travel or moving expenses to return home due to the transition to online learning.
These grants are separate from the previously announced financial assistance to students for unused housing/meal plans, and Rec Center and parking fees. No application is needed to receive those funds and it is still the university’s intention to have credits available in student accounts by April 29.
In addition, as announced last week, we are also providing all students who register for summer school with emergency assistance funds to offset the e-delivery fee of $120 for a three-hour course. There is no application for these funds, either. When students register for summer session courses, the university will automatically apply $40 per credit hour to their accounts to cancel out the e-delivery fees.
Please continue to monitor your Marshall e-mail account. Once we have received the stimulus funds from the federal government, we will send you grant application details and deadlines.
I hope you and your families are safe and well.
Sincerely,
Jerome A. Gilbert, Ph.D.
President