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COVID-19 Relief Fund

UAFS Exceptional Needs COVID Relief Fund

The American Recovery Plan Act gave UAFS federal stimulus funds to distribute directly to students to assist with the impact of the COVID pandemic.  This application is intended for current and former students who were enrolled during the pandemic (March 11, 2020 - present) and experienced an extraordinary need that is directly related to the pandemic.  Students may receive up to $2,500 in exceptional need funds but must be able to demonstrate a connection between their circumstances and the pandemic.  Any documentation that the student may supply in support of this connection will be used by the committee to determine eligibility and the value of the award. 
 
Apply for Exceptional Needs Funding
Frequently Asked Questions

  • Must have been enrolled at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith during the pandemic (March 11, 2020 - present)
  • Must demonstrate an extraordinary hardship resulting from the pandemic
  • Must provide documentation to support the extraordinary need

Students do not qualify if they fall into any of the following categories:

  • During the pandemic era, the students' only enrollment status was a high school concurrent credit or WATC student
  • The student attended UAFS during the pandemic era as a transient student or life-long learner (non-degree seeking)

  • Current students and previously enrolled students may request funds up to $2,500.  Funds will be paid directly to the student.  Funds will be distributed until they are exhausted. 
 

  • Students can request funds for any expense that resulted from hardships (e.g. illness, loss of employment, reduced work hours, increased child care expenses, etc.) related to the pandemic.

  • Funds will be processed as quickly as possible, but students should expect a four to six week waiting period from the time the application is approved until the award is delivered.

  • Only currently enrolled students will be eligible to apply for BOTH COVID relief and SEAP funds in the same academic year. The review committee will be made aware of your applications. This information may factor into their determination of whether to award funds. 

We ask the following questions:

  • Date
  • First/Last name
  • Semester you were enrolled
  • Student ID#
  • Current mailing address
  • Amount you are requesting (Students can apply for up to $2,500)
  • Does your exceptional need extend beyond $2,500
  • If your hardship includes an unpaid balance with UAFS. 
  • If you would like UAFS to apply funds to your unpaid balance. (If your hardship includes an unpaid balance with UAFS.)
  • If there are additional details you would like the Exceptional Needs COVID Relief Fund committee to consider when reviewing your application.