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 your application, please email us at HEAF@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?
If you are a student, please note that 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 fund was set up in response to the COVID-19 crisis and will remain as a source of emergency assistance in the future.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is an economic relief package from the federal government. A portion of the relief package was distributed to qualifying universities as a form of temporary financial assistance to students and to cover the costs of university operations. See the Michigan Tech CARES Act webpage for more information.
In order to expedite the distribution of funds, requests for both the student HEAF and CARES money are processed through the student HEAF application. Each application is reviewed for eligibility and funded from the appropriate sources.
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?
The amount granted typically does not exceed $500 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?
If you are a student, please not that 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 fund was set up in response to the COVID-19 crisis and will remain as a source of emergency assistance in the future.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is an economic relief package from the federal government. A portion of the relief package was distributed to qualifying universities as a form of temporary financial assistance to students and to cover the costs of university operations. See the Michigan Tech CARES Act webpage for more information.
In order to expedite the distribution of funds, requests for both the student HEAF and CARES money are processed through the student HEAF application. Each application is reviewed for eligibility and funded from the appropriate sources.
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.