UM provides financial support to students in wake of COVID-19

January 5, 2021

The University took multiple steps to provide financial relief to students who were dealing with the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic last spring.  

In April, the University approved refunds for unused housing and meal plans for students who were required to leave campus as a result of the pandemic.  

In addition, the University distributed $1.2 million in federal emergency funds directly to students to assist them with the hardships they faced as a result of COVID-19. 

Shortly after students were required to leave campus because of the pandemic, the UM Foundation  also established the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund, which provided limited emergency financial support to UM students who were unable to meet essential expenses due to a temporary or unexpected hardship caused in the wake of the pandemic. 

Through donations to the relief fund, students were able to apply for financial assistance to help with immediate necessities such as food and housing, and the funds were distributed on an as-needed basis through the UM Grainger Family Center for Personal Development.  

“We are immensely grateful to all of those in the UM family who worked diligently to facilitate access to this funding for direct distribution to our students,” said Dr. Stewart. “We are especially grateful to our congressional delegation and their staff for their help and support.”