Student Financial Services

OU to distribute additional emergency relief funds to eligible students

icon of a calendarOctober 1, 2021

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OU to distribute additional emergency relief funds to eligible students
Students in classroom

Oakland University received $19,738,510 in funding through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) which is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP). 

In July, Oakland University distributed a portion of this funding as additional emergency relief funds to eligible students enrolled in the Summer 2021 semester. Those who qualified for an award were notified via their OU email.  

Starting October 8, for those who enroll in OU non-payroll direct deposit by October 5, the university will begin to distribute the remaining portion of the $19.7 million to students enrolled in fall 2021 classes.

To qualify for a fall 2021 award, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be in a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate program.

Includes those pursuing a second bachelor’s degree or initial teaching certificate. 

  • Must be enrolled in the Fall 2021 semester in at least 1 credit hour as of September 30, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Enrolled Full-Time (minimum 12 credit hours for undergraduate students; minimum 8 credit hours for graduate students)
    • $1,550 award granted to students if their FAFSA was received for 2021-22 with Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of less than $8,000
    • $1,200 award if their FAFSA was received for 2021-22 with EFC greater than or equal to $8,000
    • $850 award granted to students who did not submit a FAFSA for 2021-22
  • Enrolled Part-Time (minimum 1 credit hour for undergraduate or graduate students)
    • $400 regardless of whether a FAFSA was received for 2021-22 

Guidance from the Department of Education directed the university to disburse HEERF III funds to as many eligible students as possible and to prioritize students with financial need as reported on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“The government has given additional emergency grants to Oakland University students to help alleviate financial stress,” said Dawn Aubry, vice president for Enrollment Management. “We recognize these financial challenges are ongoing, and we remain committed to ensuring students have access to the resources and support they need.”

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Approved HEERF III student emergency grants will be paid directly to eligible students. Please note these are automatic grants (no application process necessary) and will be distributed in the same manner as financial aid refunds. These grants do not need to be repaid and will not affect financial aid eligibility.

Students who are eligible will be notified about the award via their OU email. To receive the award, students need to enroll in OU non-payroll direct deposit. For those who are currently enrolled in direct deposit, please confirm that your banking information is accurate in MySAIL.

Students who are not eligible for HEERF III grant funding and have financial hardship may apply for assistance from the donor-funded Student Emergency Relief Fund, which has different eligibility requirements, or discuss additional options with Student Financial Services at (248) 370-2550 or [email protected].

Visit OU's HEERF III Fall 2021 web page here.

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