100 Morrissey Boulevard Boston, MA 02125-3393 www.umb.edu
In response to the economic challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government established the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). I am writing to you now to explain how the CARES Act may benefit our students and what they need to do to establish eligibility.
UMass Boston will receive federal funds from the CARES Act. Six million dollars of this money will be provided to students whom the federal government has defined as qualified. Eligibility has been determined by the Department of Education to include students who qualify for federal financial aid AND have incurred emergency expenses due to the move to remote learning necessitated by the pandemic.
Graduate and undergraduate students who are eligible for federal financial aid are able to apply for these funds. Students can complete a quick online application. The application is due by May 15! Financial Aid Services will begin awarding funds the week of May 18 and students will receive these funds by check or direct deposit before the end of the month.
UMass Boston is committed to all of our students. We have limited resources available to help those students who don’t meet the pre-determined federal guidelines but have qualifying expenses. Nonetheless, we will do what we can to help those who are not eligible by calling on funds we raise through philanthropy or can provide via other forms of institutional support.
Please help us spread the word to students. More details on student eligibility and the application process can be found in the attached student communication and on our FAQ page.
