Availability of CARES Act and other funding for students

Posted on April 30, 2020

Dear Students,

Following my April 21 email message, I am writing to provide an update on funding from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) authorized by the recent Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Our University has been awarded approximately $16 million to support degree-seeking students with expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have a completed 2019-20 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on file with the University and have already demonstrated Title IV eligibility, you do not need to apply for this funding, as you will receive an automatic minimum grant award. The grant amount will depend upon whether you are a part-time or full-time student and based upon your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Beginning the week of May 4, grants will be disbursed to BankMobile in the same manner as all refunds to eligible students.

Students who do not have a 2019-20 FAFSA on file with the University are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, if they have questions. (See contact information below.)

For more information, such as eligibility requirements and how grant amounts will be determined, please visit the University’s CARES Act webpage. 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 personnel.

International and undocumented students are not eligible for HEERF; however, the campus has allocated other funding to support our international and undocumented students. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is working directly with staff in the Dream Success Center and International Student Services Program to notify eligible students about this opportunity.

Beyond federal assistance, Fresno State’s Good Samaritan Fund was established in 2014 to specifically support students who have experienced an unexpected loss of income or a catastrophic event. You may complete the grant application form and submit it to the office listed on the form.

I believe in you and wish you all the best in finishing this semester strong. May these financial resources provide you some peace of mind and energize you to continue pursuing your educational goals.

Sincerely,

Joseph I. Castro, Ph.D., M.P.P., President