Dear Kenyon students and families,
Over the past three months, we have sought to support members of the Kenyon College community, especially our students, as they navigate unprecedented challenges, including financial hardship. While it would be impossible to insulate any of us from the economic realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken steps where possible to ease the burden. In addition to refunding unused room and board fees, as well as offering hardship grants for those not eligible for a refund, last semester Kenyon provided assistance to students in the form of emergency travel grants, technology for distance learning, telecounseling, shipping and storage of personal belongings, and continuity of student employment (even when duties could not be performed remotely).
We write to you today to extend additional opportunities for financial support.
COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund
Students who were enrolled at Kenyon (or in an approved off-campus program) on March 13, 2020, may be eligible to request funds to offset expenses related to the disruption of their education due to the coronavirus. Expenses may include travel, temporary lodging and food, shipping and storage, and supplies to study or work remotely, such as computer equipment and internet service. Funding for this comes in part from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress in late March. In addition to the CARES Act, Kenyon has allocated institutional dollars to support students who are not eligible for federal funding.
Eligibility: Students are eligible to be considered for funding without regard to citizenship status. To qualify for CARES Act funding, students must have a completed FAFSA on file with Kenyon in any award year that confirms eligibility for federal aid or self-certify Title IV eligibility (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only). Students who are not eligible for federal funding will be considered using funds from the College or its donors. Whenever possible, Kenyon will use federal funding to meet requests.
Financial Aid Special Circumstances Request
We recognize that the financial circumstances of students and families may have changed over the last three months, and that they may face increased need for financial aid. This may be due to a loss of income, unreimbursed medical expenses or the tragic loss or disability of a parent. Kenyon has developed a supplemental financial aid application to consider requests for a one-time adjustment to 2020-21 financial aid awards.
Eligibility: To be considered, students should have a need-based application on file with the College. Those who have not already applied for financial aid and suffered a loss should contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@kenyon.edu to discuss the required application procedures.
Throughout these very difficult times, we have sought to carry out the mission of the College while protecting the health and safety of our community, supporting our students and employees, and stewarding the long-term health of the institution. We hope that these additional sources of financial support will allow you to move forward with confidence in a year of unprecedented uncertainty. Please do not hesitate to be in touch with the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@kenyon.edu if you have any questions. I also encourage you to join the Q&A session with President Decatur on Thursday, June 18.
We very much look forward to welcoming you back to campus in August.
Sincerely,
Diane Anci
Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid
Craig Slaughter
Director of Financial Aid