Coronavirus update: Students to receive federal student aid

• Students to receive federal student aid
• COVID-19 testing site open to entire community
• Virtual orientation

Dear members of the university community, 

As we head into the weekend after completing another week of learning and working remotely, we hope it will be a time of rest and reflection for the entire community. Here are some updates:

Federal aid for FIU students

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Education provided guidance to universities for the distribution of emergency cash grants to college students whose lives and educations have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. These grants will be funded by a $13 billion Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund created by the recently passed CARES Act. The grants will provide emergency funds for students, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare.

At FIU, we are currently working on a plan and application process for students to access these grants. Please look for details by the end of next week.

FIU is helping

The COVID-19 testing site that was opened by FIU in partnership with Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Health, and the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition is up and running at the fairgrounds next to MMC, on Southwest 107^th Avenue and 20^th Street.

Testing is free seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. Call 305-499-8767 for appointments. To qualify, a person must be at least 18 years old and have symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Also, this week FIU made 28 ventilators available to assist in the fight against COVID-19. The ventilators are part of FIU’s training and response equipment.

FIU has already delivered 1,000 3-D printed non-disposable face shields to Baptist Health to be used by health care workers experiencing a shortage of personal protective equipment. The team is now working on 825 additional face shields for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and 175 for the City of Miami Fire Rescue Department.

New student orientation

Undergraduate orientations (freshmen and transfer students) scheduled through August 20, 2020 will be remote, one-day sessions. Information about the undergraduate orientation process for summer can be found at orientation.fiu.edu.

Students who already signed up for on-campus orientation have received emails with updated details. For questions about undergraduate orientation, contact Orientation and Family Programs via LiveChat, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, for the fastest  assistance or by email at orient@fiu.edu.

The University Graduate School also has online orientation for Summer 2020 newly admitted students. This orientation will be available on Canvas starting May 11. Additional information on how to access orientation will be provided to students in the coming weeks. For questions about graduate orientation, contact Claudia Balzan.

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.

AHC4 reopened 

The AHC4 building has been decontaminated and reopened after an employee who tested positive for COVID-19 had been in the building. A limited number of essential researchers have been allowed to return to the building to secure sensitive research.

Small business assistance 

The Florida SBDC at FIU Business (FSBDC) is providing assistance to local small businesses. As of April 6, the center has helped local businesses obtain nearly $3.5 million in Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans, which provide up to $50,000 loans to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Please continue to visit our dedicated coronavirus website for updated information and answers to frequently asked questions that can help you navigate the next few weeks. 

Stay well, Panthers!