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WIU Student Emergency Fund Established; Financial Aid Special Circumstances Appeal Available

May 1, 2020

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- As the unprecedented situation as a result of COVID-19 continues, Western Illinois University has established a Student Emergency Fund to help undergraduate and graduate students remain a part of the Leatherneck family and finish the semester successfully. In addition, the WIU Office of Financial Aid has made available a financial aid special circumstances appeal.

The WIU Foundation, in collaboration with the WIU Scholarship Office, WIU Office of Financial Aid and the Office of the President, has established a Student Emergency Fund to assist students with the necessary resources for housing, food, technology and other essential basic needs. Students simply need to complete the form , describing the resources needed to complete the semester.

"The WIU Foundation is providing a minimum of $25,000 in matching funds to the emergency funds for students. Our Western Challenge, which has evolved into a Day of Caring and will take place April 24, will focus on this special fund. It's critical that we provide our students in need with the support and resources they need during this particularly challenging time," said WIU Foundation Executive Director Brad Bainter.

Emergency aid will be given in the form of a grant that doesn't need to be repaid. Applications will be accepted so long as funds are available. These emergency funds are administered as one-time awards and contingent on being a currently enrolled, degree-seeking student.

In addition, if current and incoming students and/or their families have experienced a change in financial circumstances as a result of the pandemic, Financial Aid has resources in place, including the Special Circumstances Appeal .

"COVID-19 has created additional challenges for many of our students. We are trying to do all we can to ease the added stresses our students may be facing, and we greatly appreciate the WIU Foundation for spearheading this campaign to provide funding for our students in need," said WIU Interim President Martin Abraham. "To our students, we commend your Leatherneck spirit, perseverance and dedication during these trying times."

For more information or for assistance regarding emergency funding and the special circumstances appeal, email financial-aid@wiu.edu.

Donations for the Student Emergency Fund, which can be made any time, can be made at wiu.edu/studentsupport, by texting "WIUCARE" to the number 41444 or mailed to the WIU Foundation, 303 Sherman Hall, 1 University Circle, Macomb IL 61455. Payroll deduction options are also available for WIU employees who would like to participate. All gifts designated for the Student Emergency Fund will go toward WIU students.







Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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