There are a number of funding options for graduate students as a result of the pandemic.
Office of Financial Aid
Students in financial distress as a result of the global pandemic should contact the Office of Financial Aid (by phone: 517-353-5940 or email garcia11@msu.edu) prior to requesting Emergency Funds from the Graduate School. Financial aid from federal or state sources to provide relief for families due to COVID19 is not considered Expected Financial Aid and will not be counted as income. At this time, fellowships from the Graduate School would be counted as income.
Support our Spartans Student Emergency Needs Fund for COVID-19 (SOS COVID-19 Fund)
The SOS COVID-19 Fund was established to assist students experiencing financial emergencies resulting from the global pandemic. The guidelines and process for dispersing those resources are being handled under the office of the Associate Provost for Academic Services. The Graduate School has provided $4,825 in funding for graduate students from this fund. Due to high demand, applications for this fund closed on Friday, April 17. The Graduate School has provided $4,825 in funding for graduate students from this fund.
CARES Act
The CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) was signed into law by President Trump on March 27 as the third federal stimulus package responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new law includes several provisions that impact graduate education. CGS Government Affairs has created two new resources in response to member questions: a summary of unemployment provisions and a summary of certain financial assistance provisions that most directly impact CGS member institutions and their students. Resources will continue to be updated or amended as any new guidance is released. Update May 26, 2020: CARES Act funding has been exhausted.
Graduate School Emergency Funding for travel was canceled due to COVID-19
Funds from the Graduate School are available for graduate students whose travel was canceled due to COVID-19. These funds are available to cover non-refundable costs (airline fees, conference registration fees, hotel fees, insurance, etc.). This funding is only for graduate students pursuing a degree program. Student must be registered in the semester that the funding is awarded. Please download the Application Form (PDF), complete it and obtain electronic signatures. Then return the form and receipts/documentation via email to mrioux@msu.edu. If you are requesting funds for a canceled conference, please make sure you attached the conference cancellation notice as well as your receipts. We will not reimburse students for conference registration fees if the conference is refunding the fees. If the conference is allowing registered participants to attend a future conference and you are requesting a refund, please state why you would be unable to attend the conference in the future. Graduate students can also use this form to request funds to cover non-travel coronavirus expenses.
Graduate School Emergency Funding
While the Graduate School always has a limited amount a Emergency Funding available, we have increased that amount as a result of the coronavirus situation. This funding available for graduate students for unusual or unforeseen emergency expenses and is only for graduate students pursuing a degree program. Please be aware that emergency funds are intended to provide one-time-only support. Please note: If awarded, this fellowship does not provide student health insurance or tuition/fee waivers. Requests by graduate students for emergency funding should be emailed to the Graduate School at gradschool@grd.msu.edu with the proper signatures and documentation.
COGS Technology Assistance awards
The Council of Graduate Students is offering Technology Assistance awards. COGS is hoping to help defray the costs of technology upgrades needed to complete coursework/research remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, COGS has designated a limited amount of funds to offer one-time reimbursement awards of up to $50.00 to Graduate & Professional students. To apply, go to the COGS website: https://cogs.msu.edu/resources/funding/
