Dear Students,
As we announced last week, Marshall has received federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act funding to award to eligible students during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
As of this morning, only a little more than 25% of eligible Marshall students had requested funds from this program. As a result, we have extended the priority deadline for students to request a grant to 5 p.m. next Thursday, May 14.
I want to emphasize that this money does not have to be paid back; it is not a loan. Examples of the types of situations the funding is intended to assist with include the following:
- Job loss or reduction of income (including reduced hours at work) in the student’s household;
- Temporary furlough (i.e., the student or a member of the household has not lost their job, but their position has been temporarily put on hold);
- Medical including support needed for accessibility purposes);
- Costs related to the transition to online learning; and
- Travel or moving expenses to return home due to the transition to online learning.
Our online application process is simple and should take no more than a few minutes to complete. When you log in with your 901 number, the application will tell you if you do not meet the criteria—before you even start the form.
I encourage all our students to carefully review this opportunity for assistance, as many, if not most, will qualify.
You can request $500 and receive an answer within just a few business days. If you need more than $500, you may be asked to provide additional information and the review process may take up to two additional weeks.
Students who have already applied and qualified for these grants will begin receiving their money in the next several days. Students who have direct deposit should have their funds in the next 1-3 business days, while paper checks may take 5-10 business days.
Remember, these grants are separate from the previously announced financial assistance for unused housing/meal plans, and Rec Center and parking fees. No application was needed to receive those funds, which have already been transferred to student accounts.
Best wishes for a wonderful summer. We look forward to seeing those of you who did not graduate back again with us in the fall!
Stay safe.
Sincerely,
Jerome A. Gilbert, Ph.D.
President