May 4, 2020 to July 6, 2020
May 4, 2020 – Email message from UMA President Rebecca Wyke to all UMA students about CARES Act Funding
May 4, 2020 – Webpage posted with information about CARES Act funding
May 4, 2020 – Message via email and student information system to all students who successfully completed a FAFSA
The University of Maine at Augusta has been allocated $675,763 in funding through the federal CARES Act. The Act requires that these dollars go directly to eligible students to cover emergency expenses arising from the disruption in campus operations. UMA will begin distributing CARES Act funds to eligible students starting the week of May 4.
According to our records, you have successfully filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are eligible for federal Title IV funds. Based on your Spring 2020 enrollment as of March 13, 2020, you will receive a $XXX direct payment from the CARES Act funds.
Refund Based on Credit Load
The amount of your payment is based on the number of credit hours enrolled in the spring semester. Distribution of payments is grouped as follows:
Credits for Spring 2020 Dollar amount of Payment
Tier 1 1-5 credit hours $134
Tier 2 6- 11 credit hours $184
Tier 3 12 or more credit hours $234
How you will receive your payment:
Starting the week of May 4, eligible students will receive direct payments through their MaineStreet Student Account. If you have already enrolled in direct deposit through the MaineStreet Student Center, your payment will automatically be deposited into your bank account. If you are not able to enroll in direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed to the billing address listed on your MaineStreet account.
Visit https://www.uma.edu/financial/costs/refunds/enroll-modify-direct-deposit/ for instructions on how to enroll in direct deposit.
Additional Student Emergency Funds
There are additional two sources of funding available.
- CARES Act Emergency GrantsUMA has reserved 15% of the available CARES Act funding for emergency grants for Title IV (federal student aid) eligible students with additional critical needs resulting from the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Students with additional financial need (housing, technology, childcare, food, healthcare, other) can submit an application using the link below. Any emergency grants approved will be in addition to any automatic payments to qualifying students.
- UMA Emergency Relief FundThe university has limited UMA Emergency Relief Funds available through the generosity of alumni and community partners. Any student with additional financial need (housing, technology, childcare, food, healthcare, other) can submit an application using the link below. Priority consideration for these funds will be given to students who are not eligible to receive CARES Act payments.
Application Process and Deadline
You must complete this electronic application to be considered for additional student emergency funds. Applications must be submitted by May 22, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
If you are unable to complete the application electronically, please email or call the Office of Student Accounts to request a PDF version of the application.
Students selected to receive emergency grants will be notified of award amounts, and any additional requirements needed via their @maine.edu email address. PLEASE NOTE: The amount you are awarded may differ from your request based upon the number of applications received.
Tax Information
We have received additional information regarding the tax implications for receiving CARES
Act funds. Any funds distributed through the CARES Act are not taxable income.
UMA Emergency Relief Funds may be taxable income, depending on a student’s situation.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding your CARES Act payment, please contact the Office of Student Accounts at:
Email: studentaccounts@maine.edu
Phone: 207-621-3131 (leave a voicemail; your call will be returned within one business day)
May 4, 2020 – Payments to all students who successfully completed a FAFSA processed via direct deposit or paper check
A CARES Act award will be posted to your student account and refunded to you soon. The University of Maine at Augusta offers next day direct deposit – sign up now to receive your money fast!
For instructions on signing up for Direct Deposit, please visit https://www.uma.edu/financial/costs/refunds/enroll-modify-direct-deposit/
Students who do not set up direct deposit will be mailed a check. Checks are NOT available for pickup and can take up to 14 days to receive by mail. Sign up for Direct Deposit today!
Please note: students must sign up for direct deposit by Monday, May 4th, at noon for guaranteed direct deposit. Signing up after the deadline may result in a check being sent. If you prefer to have a check sent, please make sure your billing address in MaineStreet is correct.
May 6, 2020 – Message via email and student information system to all non-FAFSA students advising of ability to self-certify for funding
The University of Maine at Augusta has been allocated $675,763 in funding through the federal CARES Act. The Act requires that these dollars go directly to eligible students to cover emergency expenses arising from the disruption in campus operations. UMA will begin distributing CARES Act funds to eligible students starting the week of May 4.
Based on your Spring 2020 enrollment, you may be eligible to receive a payment from the CARES Act fund for Title IV (federal student aid) eligible students. In order to determine your eligibility you will be required to complete a CARES Act Self-Certification. Please navigate to your To Do List on the MaineStreet Student Center and complete the CARES Act Self-Certification as soon as possible, but no later than August 4, 2020 to verify your eligibility. The amount of your payment will be based on the number of credit hours enrolled in the spring semester as of March 13, 2020. Distribution of payments is grouped as follows:
Credits for Spring 2020 Dollar amount of Payment
Tier 1 1-5 credit hours $134
Tier 2 6- 11 credit hours $184
Tier 3 12 or more credit hours $234
How you will receive your payment
Starting the week of May 4, students who self-certify their eligibility will receive direct payments through their MaineStreet Student Account. If you have already enrolled in direct deposit through the MaineStreet Student Center, your payment will automatically be deposited into your bank account. If you are not able to enroll in direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed to the billing address listed on your MaineStreet account.
Visit https://www.uma.edu/financial/costs/refunds/enroll-modify-direct-deposit/ for instructions on how to enroll in direct deposit.
Additional Student Emergency Funds
There are additional two sources of funding available.
- CARES Act Emergency GrantsUMA has reserved 15% of the available CARES Act funding for emergency grants for Title IV (federal student aid) eligible students with additional critical needs resulting from the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Students with additional financial need (housing, technology, childcare, food, healthcare, other) can submit an application using the link below. Any emergency grants approved will be in addition to any automatic payments to qualifying students.
- UMA Emergency Relief FundThe university has limited UMA Emergency Relief Funds available through the generosity of alumni and community partners. Any student with additional financial need (housing, technology, childcare, food, healthcare, other) can submit an application using the link below. Priority consideration for these funds will be given to students who are not eligible to receive CARES Act payments.
Application Process and Deadline
You must complete this electronic application to be considered for additional student emergency funds. Applications must be submitted by May 22, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
If you are unable to complete the application electronically, please email or call the Office of Student Accounts to request a PDF version of the application.
Students selected to receive emergency grants will be notified of award amounts, and any additional requirements needed via their @maine.edu email address. PLEASE NOTE: The amount you are awarded may differ from your request based upon the number of applications received.
Tax Information
Please be aware that emergency funds (including both automatic payment amounts and any funds granted through the application process) will likely be considered taxable income for 2020.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding your CARES Act payment, please contact the Office of Student Accounts at:
Email: studentaccounts@maine.edu
Phone: 207-621-3131 (leave a voicemail; your call will be returned within one business day)
May 6, 2020 to date – Payments processed daily to self-certifying non-FAFSA students via direct deposit or paper check
A CARES Act award will be posted to your student account and refunded to you soon. The University of Maine at Augusta offers next day direct deposit – sign up now to receive your money fast!
For instructions on signing up for Direct Deposit, please visit https://www.uma.edu/financial/costs/refunds/enroll-modify-direct-deposit/
Students who do not set up direct deposit will be mailed a check. Checks are NOT available for pickup and can take up to 14 days to receive by mail. Sign up for Direct Deposit today!
Please note: students must sign up for direct deposit by Monday, May 4th, at noon for guaranteed direct deposit. Signing up after the deadline may result in a check being sent. If you prefer to have a check sent, please make sure your billing address in MaineStreet is correct.
May 8, 2020 – Messages via email and student information system to all students clarifying tax implications of CARES Act funds
We have received additional information regarding the tax implications for receiving CARES Act funds. Any funds distributed through the CARES Act are not taxable income.
UMA Emergency Relief Funds may be taxable income, depending on a student’s situation.
May 8, 2020 to date – Weekly reminder messages via email and student information system to self-certify provided to non-FAFSA students
Based on your Spring 2020 enrollment, you may be eligible to receive a payment from the CARES Act fund for Title IV (federal student aid) eligible students. In order to determine your eligibility you will be required to complete a CARES Act Self-Certification. Please navigate to your To Do List on the MaineStreet Student Center and complete the CARES Act Self-Certification as soon as possible, but no later than August 4, 2020 to verify your eligibility. The amount of your payment will be based on the number of credit hours enrolled in the spring semester as of March 13, 2020
May 19, 2020 – Message to all students with reminder of CARES Act Emergency Grant fund application deadline
Weekly reminder messages via email and student information system to self-certify provided to non-FAFSA students every Friday
Based on your Spring 2020 enrollment, you may be eligible to receive a payment from the CARES Act fund for Title IV (federal student aid) eligible students. In order to determine your eligibility you will be required to complete a CARES Act Self-Certification. Please navigate to your To Do List on the MaineStreet Student Center and complete the CARES Act Self-Certification as soon as possible, but no later than August 4, 2020 to verify your eligibility. The amount of your payment will be based on the number of credit hours enrolled in the spring semester as of March 13, 2020
May 29, 2020 – EMMA Email Message Sent to Self-Certify students
June 1, 2020 – Remaining Self Certify population called by Enrollment Center Staff to encourage completion. Outreach was made to 300 students.
Continued Efforts – Weekly reminder messages via email and student information system to self-certify provided to non-FAFSA students every Friday
Based on your Spring 2020 enrollment, you may be eligible to receive a payment from the CARES Act fund for Title IV (federal student aid) eligible students. In order to determine your eligibility you will be required to complete a CARES Act Self-Certification. Please navigate to your To Do List on the MaineStreet Student Center and complete the CARES Act Self-Certification as soon as possible, but no later than August 4, 2020 to verify your eligibility. The amount of your payment will be based on the number of credit hours enrolled in the spring semester as of March 13, 2020
July 31, 2020 – Final Reminder sent
August 3, 2020 – An additional round of emergency funding was opened for first time students (did not attend in Spring 2020) who were registered for Summer courses. 20 students were awarded $250 in funding.
August 6, 2020 – Reconciliation performed to ensure that all students who completed the Self Certification Process were captured. 185 students did not complete the Self Cert Process