University supports students with more than $6 million in aid

May 18, 2020 | UHCL Staff

More than $6 million offered through scholarships, grants and multiple financial initiatives have made success a possibility to many University of Houston-Clear Lake students. Four key university actions have supported these initiatives:

First, financial aid support has come through five key projects.

• Through the U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act stimulus, more than $2.7 million has provided approximately $300 each to more than 4,000 students, with some students who have increased needs receiving more. The Financial Aid office can answer questions as it relates these funds.
• The Hawk Emergency Fund has already awarded approximately $27,000 to students with additional awards offered continuously. With more available, students should contact Financial Aid to apply.
• Multiple new and updated scholarship initiatives totaling $4.5 million have been created for new and continuing undergraduate and graduate students and can be found on the Financial Aid web page.
• All financial holds totaling approximately $2,000 have been lifted for students wishing to register for summer and fall classes. While this is occurring automatically, students with questions can contact the Student Business Services office.
• UHCL has suspended all interest, late or related charges related to unpaid bills. Student Business Services is supporting this by making sure that it occurs automatically.

Second, students who experience technological difficulties have several options available to them.

• Through the Online Learning Assistance and Reimbursement Program provides a Computer Reimbursement Initiative that has already provided more than $82,000 in support so far. Students in need of a computer should contact the Dean of Students with their question about this program.
• Because meeting face-to-face can provide an added bonus to online education, programs that support this type of meeting require web cameras. The Web Camera Loan initiative has already provided $3,000 to students. Questions concerning this initiative can be directed to the Dean of Students office.
• Approximately $2,000 was used to safely open computer labs during the end of the semester (May 4 – May 15) to students who need access to computers to complete final projects. More questions about labs can be directed to the Dean of Students.
• Close to $57,000 was provided to make Proctor U and Lab software free to students. Questions concerning this initiative should be directed to professors and instructors of individual classes.

Reducing fees for spring and summer fees is the third way the university has offered support to students.

• International education, Recreation and Wellness Facility, and Student Center fees were refunded during the spring, resulting in $629,000 given back to students. Likewise, those fees (totaling approximately $600,700) will also be waived for summer. While this is occurring automatically, questions concerning these fees should be directed to Student Business Services.

Finally, other financial support has included continuation of payment to all student employees totaling $190,000, as well as CARES Act increased unemployment insurance for students who have lost their jobs. The CARES Act has also placed a moratorium on all payments and interest charged for federal loans.

“We are continuing to look for ways to support our students so they can make their educational dreams a reality,” said Vice President for Administration and Finance Mark Denney. “We know students are struggling right now, and we want to help in any way we can.”

Find out more about how UHCL supports its students.