Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund allocations for students

February 17, 2022

 

Dear Campus Community,

I am excited to announce that our campus will be able to provide an additional round of financial assistance for students. 

Through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) — part of the federal American Rescue Plan passed in spring 2021 — students will receive financial assistance for costs resulting from the pandemic, such as tuition, food, housing, health care or child care. I am particularly delighted to share that the guidelines were changed last fall allowing us to offer this assistance to all eligible students, including our international and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students.

I recognize that this has been a very difficult time for our students and it is my sincere hope that this additional funding helps to cover unforeseen expenses caused by the continued impacts from the pandemic.

Fresno State received approximately $46 million for student financial assistance grants, and of that amount, we awarded approximately $21.7 million in fall 2021 and will award another $24.7 million in spring 2022.

Our goal is to distribute this money as quickly as possible to students to help them continue their educational pursuits without additional barriers. With this award, students are not required to have completed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act Application) but must be enrolled in a financial aid eligible program.

Eligible students will shortly receive an email message outlining award categories and timeline for disbursement of funds.

For more information, visit the Financial Aid website. Questions may be directed to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at financialaid@mail.fresnostate.edu or by calling 559.278.2182. In addition, the office’s website includes a chat function for communicating directly with financial aid staff.

I wish you continued good health and wellness. May these financial resources provide you additional support in achieving a successful spring semester.

 

Sincerely,

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President