UTRGV announced last Monday the Spring Relief Package which will offer aid to qualifying students who register and complete all financial aid requirements by Dec. 18.
Associate Vice-President for Strategic Enrollment Griselda Castilla explains why UTRGV decided to have the package.
“So, we understand as an institution that our students continue to have financial challenges due to the coronavirus,” Castilla said. “Our students still have a significant need with technology, with materials and other expenses that they are incurring to continue their education. So, we went ahead and decided to offer some additional support for our spring semester.”
The Spring Relief Package includes $500 in cash grants for eligible undergraduates and graduates. Students will receive $250 before the Spring 2021 semester begins and $250 after the 12th class day if the student is still enrolled in classes.
Castilla said she encourages students who are eligible for the cash grant to complete the financial aid application.
“We will check before December 18th and identify any students that we see may be potentially eligible to do the FAFSA but have not done so,” she said. “And we will reach out to them with an additional form as an option for them to complete, but preferably completing the financial aid application is the fastest and safest way to determine eligibility.”
According to the Spring Relief Package’s website, a financial-aid application is not required but if students do not have a FAFSA or TASFA on file, students will be required to complete and submit an attestation to confirm eligibility. Students will be notified via UTRGV email if this applies.
Castilla said students who graduated from high school on or after May 2020 and are new to higher education, do not qualify for the cash grant but may be eligible to receive $250 in Tuition Relief.
Eligible full-time online graduate students can receive up to $250 of Tuition Relief as well.
According to the website, if a student needs less than the required number of hours to graduate in Spring 2021, an exception may be made if a graduation application has been filed and DegreeWorks reflects less than the required number of hours needed to graduate.
For frequently asked questions, visit the Spring Relief Package’s website at link.utrgv.edu/spring- relief.
This is Victor Ramirez for Vaquero News.
