CARES Act and Multiple Ways SJSU is Providing Student Support

Sent: April 23, 2020
From: President Mary A. Papazian

SJSU campus community,

Our transition to a remote learning environment has produced a mix of challenges for our entire community. As we continue to do our part to flatten the curve of COVID-19 through physical distancing and working remotely, finding ways to support students continues to be a top priority.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by the federal government on March 27, provides SJSU with more than $28.7 million in emergency funding.

  • Nearly $14.4 million of that money is earmarked as grants that go directly to students. SJSU Cares will manage the application process for student emergency grants. Applications will be available soon, and a campus message about the application process is forthcoming.
  • The remaining funds will be used by SJSU to meet the university's critical needs by maintaining a robust academic, co-curricular, and work environment for all members of our community.

Although the Federal CARES Act funding carries stipulations related to enrollment, citizenship or residency, and impaction by COVID-19, SJSU Cares[BROKEN LINK] administers funds from a variety of resources, with private fundraising often allowing for the most flexibility for use. Even if you believe you may not qualify for funds from the Federal CARES Act, I encourage you to connect with the great staff at SJSU Cares to discuss options that would work for you. Our goal is to meet the needs of as many students as possible, whether or not they qualify for Federal CARES Act funding.

Other Areas of Student Support

Other ways we seek to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic that have been announced in other communications are repeated below:

Move to Credit/No Credit

Students have the option to change their individual course grades from an A,B,C,D,F grading scheme to a Credit (CR)/ No Credit (NC) grading scheme for Spring 2020 courses only.

Campus refunds

SJSU is providing refunds for housing, dining services and parking, while also remaining open for students to remain on campus if needed.

Spartan Food Pantry

The Spartan Food Pantry continues to distribute pre-packaged food several times a week to eligible students from their location in the Diaz Compean Student Union. Visit their Instagram page for their hours of operation.

IT support

SJSU IT continues to offer an equipment loaning program to provide laptops and other technology equipment necessary for the virtual classroom.

Student Health and Wellness

The Student Health and Wellness Center remains open Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students can access the pharmacy and primary care during these hours. Telemedicine is available Monday through Friday. Counseling is also available Monday through Friday by phone and Zoom.

Everyone is fighting their own battle because of COVID-19, but lending a helping hand or heart can change a fellow Spartan’s day. We are united together as Spartans, and it is more important than ever that we check in on our fellow classmates and colleagues. Let’s take care of each other as we continue on this unusual journey together.