MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia Board of Governors were briefed on Friday about how the institution will use $20.2 million from the federal government as coronavirus pandemic relief.
West Virginia University will first receive around $10 million for providing students with emergency assistance related to the disruption of campus operations, such as housing and food expenses.
“We’ll put that money directly in cash grants to our students who are in need of funding,” said Rob Alsop, the university’s vice president of strategic initiatives.
The second installment will be used to cover the cost of instruction related to the changes in university life. Officials are waiting for further guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.
The money is the result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which lawmakers approved last month.
Students are eligible to apply for financial assistance if there has been a reduction in personal or family income, additional costs related to the transition to online classes, increased medical expenses, or travel or moving expenses.
“Students will be able to apply and if they meet a category of need for their personal circumstances,” Alsop said. “They’ll be able to quickly apply, hopefully by providing direct deposit information or we can mail by check.”
Students not eligible to apply include individuals who have received a reduction in spring charges for room and board, dining or University Apartments rent. The university noted this will be evaluated.
Students can begin to apply for funding on April 21.