One of Michigan Tech's main priorities is the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. The Husky Emergency Assistance Fund (HEAF) has been established to help members of our campus community who are experiencing financial hardship, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.
If you have any questions or need clarification regarding the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund Application, please email Melissa Michaelson at mmwolfem@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1567. In this time of great uncertainty, we want you to know that Michigan Tech cares. Please know we are here to support you in any way we can.
What is the difference between the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund (HEAF) and the CARES Act?
The HEAF and the CARES Act are different sources of funding. The HEAF is supported by private donations raised by Michigan Tech's Advancement Office to assist students and employees of Michigan Tech during emergency situations. The CARES Act is money given to the university from the federal government to be made available to Michigan Tech students only. CARES Act application details will be available soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
Who is eligible for the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund?
Those who are eligible to apply include current students, faculty, and staff who have incurred COVID-19 or other emergency-related expenses or losses, and can demonstrate need. Emergency-related expenses include basic needs such as food, shelter, utilities, or health care. If you have already received funds through the Betty Chavis, International Student, or Graduate Student Loan emergency funds, you may not be eligible for additional funding through the HEAF.
2
Can the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund cover tuition?
No, the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund does not provide assistance for tuition expenses. Those in need of tuition assistance should contact the Student Financial Services Center for more information.
3
Is the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund a loan?
No, the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund is not a loan and the funds are not taxed. The funds given out do not need to be repaid. We ask that the funds distributed be used as designated in the application form.
4
If I apply for assistance through the fund, who will know?
The Husky Emergency Assistance Fund committee keeps applications private. Only individuals who are part of the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund committee or the Michigan Tech Fund receive applications for assistance. Supervisors will not be notified about the application so long as they are not on the committee. In the event of a conflict of interest, committee members are instructed to disclose their conflict as soon as possible to the committee.
5
How much can I apply for?
Although the amount granted typically does not exceed $500, during the outbreak of COVID-19, other amounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Funding can be granted once per calendar year. The amount of financial assistance granted to applicants is determined and approved by two cross-functional committees. One committee oversees employee applications, while the other committee oversees student applications.
6
How will I be notified if I am granted funds?
The committees make every effort to process applications as soon as possible. Applicants can expect to be notified about their application within 7-10 business days.
7
What is the difference between the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund (HEAF) and the CARES Act?
The HEAF is supported by private donations raised by Michigan Tech's Advancement Office to assist students and employees of Michigan Tech during emergency situations. The CARES Act is money given to universities from the federal government to be made available to Michigan Tech students only. CARES Act application details will be available soon.
8
What if my request is denied?
Please note that while we will do our best to fill your request, the actual distribution of assistance will be based on the availability of funds and the number of requests received. Applicants must meet the basic needs criteria. If denied, applicants can choose to reapply.