Coronavirus update: $19 million in CARES Act funding will be distributed as emergency cash grants to FIU students

Dear members of the university community,

As we enter the final few days of the semester and start looking forward to summer, we hope you are doing well. FIU continues to be operational and faculty and staff are working remotely to support our students’ academic success.

A full array of online and traditional classes (taught remotely) are available for Summer A and C. A decision will be made soon regarding whether there will be face-to-face classes during Summer B. Online classes will, of course, be available either way. Please continue to check FIU.edu/coronavirus for the latest information and a regularly updated and augmented FAQ section. 

We want to share with you some information you may find useful.

Financial Assistance for Students 

Approximately $19 million in CARES Act funding will be distributed as emergency cash grants to FIU students whose lives and education have been affected by the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic. The grants are awarded based on demonstrated need and will provide funds for students to use towards eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, including food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare.

FIU submitted a certification form to receive the federal funds and is awaiting guidance and disbursement of the emergency cash grants from the federal Department of Education. We will provide additional details in the coming week.

Online vs. Remote 

Many students have questions about online vs. remote classes. Courses utilizing remote instruction were originally designed to be taught in face-to-face or hybrid environments. These courses have been redesigned temporarily for the Spring 2020 and Summer A and C 2020 semesters to allow students to continue their studies without the need to come to campus. Many of these remote classes may still have students and faculty meeting together virtually at specific times (synchronously). In contrast, online courses/programs are designed and developed over several months and updated on a regular basis, specifically to be offered fully online. Faculty designing online courses leverage dedicated online instructional designers and educational technologies reserved for fully online courses.

For more information and to learn about Honorlock and other related issues, please visit the Academics section of the FAQ.

Emotional Support Services 

FIU continues to provide support to students, faculty, staff and their dependents. Students can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services, 305-348-2277. Faculty and staff can contact the Office of Employee Assistance, 305-348-2469, or oea@fiu.edu.

Commencement is May 8

Class of 2020, you are almost there! Congratulations on finishing strong under these circumstances. Please mark your calendar for your virtual commencement on May 8 and look for more information on how you can personalize your profile and make the most out of the experience for yourself and your family.

Please note that in addition to the virtual commencement, every graduate will have the option of walking in summer or fall commencement and posing with President Mark B. Rosenberg for a photo.

We wish students the best during finals week. Please stay healthy and safe.