For the City Times

STEVENS POINT – Recognizing the significant effect the coronavirus pandemic has had on students, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has distributed more than $2 million in emergency financial assistance to nearly 5,200 students.

This is part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding awarded to universities across the country.

“At UW-Stevens Point, we care deeply about our students. We identified a process to quickly assist as many students as possible,” said Troy Seppelt, assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs and dean of students.

All eligible students received assistance to meet technology needs resulting from disruption to campus operations because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional assistance was awarded to students within the eligibility range for Pell grants to meet personal expenses and to eligible graduating seniors as they navigate the last semester of their college career.

To be eligible, students needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The 2019-2020 FAFSA can still be completed until the end of the spring semester. Additionally, the 2020-2021 FAFSA is available to receive financial aid assistance for the summer and the next academic year.

Some universities required students to apply for any CARES Act emergency aid, and this process is available at UW-Stevens Point to meet additional needs. Students may apply for an emergency grant via the UWSP CARES Act Emergency Funds Application. Students at UW-Stevens Point campuses in Marshfield and Wausau may apply through this branch campus process. The Dean of Students office administers these grants.

UW-Stevens Point’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships began adding CARES emergency funds to student accounts May 1, awarding $2,088,550 to 5,182 students. These funds do not apply to any outstanding balances.  Student Financial Services will issue refunds to students within 5-7 business days once added to the financial aid award.

In addition to the awards to 5,200 students, 47 of them have been awarded a total of $25,995 in CARES Act emergency funds to assist with personal expenses, such as food, housing and educational materials. Another 35 students received a total of $17,518 from the Baxter Student Emergency Fund, a donor-supported fund to help meet short-term needs. More than 20 students who attend UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield or Wausau campuses have also received emergency grants totaling $11,000 through a program specific to the branch campuses.

Anyone interested in supporting UW-Stevens Point students may donate to the Baxter Fund or The Cupboard food pantry by visiting https://give.uwsp.edu/student-emergency-funds.