May 1, 2020: Student Finances and CARES Act Funds
Dear Carthage students,
All of us at Carthage are extremely proud of the resiliency you’ve shown in what can only be described as a challenging semester.
Watching students’ progression is the highlight of our jobs, so it’s a major understatement to say we miss you. While standing ready to adapt to any new developments, our dedicated team is eagerly preparing to resume in-person instruction this fall.
Recognizing that the pandemic has put additional strain on many families’ finances, I want to share some updates with you regarding steps Carthage is taking to hopefully provide a bit of relief.
Credits for Room and Board
Naturally, because residential students could not live on campus during this period of remote learning, many students and families have asked if the College is prorating the cost of room and board (housing and meal plans). The answer is yes.
Graduating seniors who were assigned to campus housing for the spring 2020 term will receive a refund check. Returning students will receive a credit that can be applied to room and board or tuition for the fall 2020 term. However, please note that students who withdraw are not eligible for refunds or credits.
The prorated amounts will vary. Calculations are based on occupancy from February 5 through April 6 and other charges during the spring term. Students receiving credits will see this applied to any balance on their student account. Graduating seniors should make sure their account information is up-to-date and on file so their refunds can be processed. This information can be provided securely here.
If you’ve purchased Carthage Cash, those funds will roll forward to the next term as usual. Students with a remaining Carthage Cash balance of $15 or more when they graduate have a full year to request a refund from the Office of Student Accounts.
If you have any questions about this, please contact Leana Davis, manager of student accounts, at ldavis3@carthage.edu or 262-551-5771.
CARES Act Funds
As you’ve probably heard, the legislation known as the CARES Act (which Congress approved in March) includes emergency relief funding for U.S. college students whose education has been disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak. These emergency grants are intended to reimburse students for expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. We applied for and have been awarded funds that we will distribute to more than 2,200 eligible students to help in these trying times.
The federal government has calculated each institution’s share based on enrollment and financial need (using the number of students eligible for Federal Pell Grants). As soon as the funds allocated to Carthage become available, we will distribute them to students — prioritizing those with the highest level of need.
This money will be deposited directly into student bank accounts. It is important to make sure that students have their account information updated though our secure site to ensure proper delivery. Students can do that here.
It has been a difficult semester for all of us, and, while we understand this does not come close to covering the needs of students and families, we hope that these additional funds can provide some relief. We want to do the most for the largest number of students that we possibly can.
These grants do not need to be repaid, but keep in mind they may be considered taxable income.
If you have questions about this, please contact Jeffrey Teague, associate director of admissions and financial aid, at jteague@carthage.edu or 262-551-6625.
Student Emergency Fund
While the government relief is truly welcome, we’re especially determined to support Carthage students whose unforeseen financial need casts doubt on their ability to continue their education.
That’s why we have established our own line of assistance: the Carthage COVID-19 Student Emergency Assistance Fund. Alumni, parents, students, employees, and friends of the College responded quickly to the need and continue to give generously.
A caring support team can guide you through the application process. Affected students can apply, and we will distribute every penny until the fund is exhausted.
Like the CARES Act funding described above, this money doesn’t need to be repaid but may be considered taxable income. To see examples of covered expenses and submit an application, visit our web page:
If you have questions about this, please contact Professor Michele Hancock at mhancock1@carthage.edu or 262-551-6113.
More details, including FAQs, are available on a new Student Finances and CARES Act page at our COVID-19 website: www.carthage.edu/carthage-covid-19/cares.
As we enter the home stretch of this strange springtime odyssey, please stay strong! The past several weeks have reinforced that, in this community, we are never alone. Because #WeAreCarthageCollege.
Warmly,
John R. Swallow
President