Eastern Michigan University has announced the distribution of $750,000 in emergency aid to students who demonstrate financial need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The emergency funds are provided by the federal 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s (CRRSAA) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Under CRRSAA, EMU is required to distribute $6.89 million to students for emergency financial relief. 

In an email to students on March 30, University Communications wrote: “These funds are reserved to provide students with financial aid grants that may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.”

Undergraduate, graduate, and distance education students with a 2020-2021 FAFSA on file are eligible to apply for the emergency funds. Students who receive federal Pell grants or demonstrate exceptional needs are prioritized. If an application is approved, award amounts will vary based on financial need. 

Applications for the student emergency relief funds opened on March 29, and can be found on the University’s website. According to Geoffrey Larcom, the Executive Director of Media Relations at EMU, applications are closed until further notice due to high demand. 

“Students will be notified through their University email account if there are any updates regarding the application,” Larcom said. 

In addition to the CRRSAA, other opportunities are available for students in need of financial help. According to Larcom, students can apply to the GameAbove student emergency fund. GameAbove is an alumni organization at EMU “who desire to make a difference for the University.” Students can request up to $750 for expenses such as books, transportation, and medical care. 

Jennifer Tremewan from the Office of Financial Aid recommends that students monitor their university emails for information regarding additional grants. 

“If funding is available, University Communications will send something to the student's EMU email,” Tremewan said. 

Applications are expected to close on April 12. If students need help completing the CRRSAA application, please contact fa_dynamicforms@emich.edu for assistance. 

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