EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University has started the distribution of nearly $6.9 million in federal student-relief CARES Act funds, providing assistance to students in need who were enrolled during the past winter semester when the COVID-19 crisis began. The University also detailed its plans for further distribution of CARES Act funds to students taking classes in the upcoming fall and winter semesters of the new academic year.

“Since March, the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed unprecedented hardships on our students, making these funds a vital form of support,” said Eastern Michigan University President James Smith. “The broad distribution of funds will focus on Eastern students with significant needs. Our plan for distribution of the federal CARES Act funds recognizes that the COVID-19 disruption to education is not a one-time event. It will impact students in many ways over the coming months until there is a vaccination for the disease.” 

The University plans to provide direct grants-in-aid to undergraduate students who receive a federal Pell Grant, or to those who did not receive a federal Pell grant but demonstrate unmet financial need of $1,000 or more. That need is based on Eastern Michigan University’s federal cost of attendance and the expected family contribution from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other forms of financial aid, including loans. 

Graduate students who receive an unsubsidized federal student loan also will be considered for funding.

The funds will be distributed in the following overall amounts:

• Winter 2020: one-fifth of the funds, or $1,379,440.

• Fall 2020: two-fifths of the funds, or $2,753,793. 

• Winter 2021: two-fifths of the funds, or $2,753,793. 

Winter 2020 students are receiving a smaller grant because the first half of the semester was uninterrupted prior to the pandemic. A total of 7,260 students have received the Winter 2020 disbursement of $190 for the partial semester.

Funds for the fall semester will be distributed in October. Winter 2021 funds will be distributed in February of next year.

The CARES Act website has additional details about the University’s plans.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.