University Communication to Students
Dear Students,
Congratulations on your completion of the final assignments and exams to close out this unprecedented semester and year. COVID-19 positive cases and hospitalizations in Allegheny County remain of concern, though are manageable at present. Important information this week includes:
Thursday Email Updates Will Continue
While we are evaluating how best to provide important information, I will continue to send Thursday email updates as we manage the pandemic environment so students have a consistent information source. All COVID-19 related information can continue to be found on the website by clicking here.
CRRSSA and American Rescue Act Fund Distribution
Funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) for student emergency funding has been distributed as requested. Additionally, we anticipate receiving additional funds through the American Rescue Plan Act for direct distribution to students. We continue to monitor the process for getting access to these funds and will provide updates regarding the process for distribution to all students as that information becomes available.
Spring Textbook Rental Returns
The bookstore will be open Friday, May 7, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. You may also purchase and print a UPS label on carlow.bncollege.com under “Textbooks” and then select “Textbook Rentals.” If you choose this method for returning your rental, there is a several day grace period. Do not put textbooks in the library drop box at the front of the building. We will not be able to verify who is making the return.
Reminders:
Fall Vaccine Requirements Pending
The University has not made a final determination regarding the extent to which, if at all, the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for students in the fall. We are actively evaluating the best decision to ensure the safety and welfare of the Carlow University community. It remains a top priority to keep residential and student athletes safe while assuring our ability to safely return to on-ground, classroom-based learning. We anticipate having a final decision communicated to campus constituents by June 1.
Masking Requirements Remain in Place
As you may be aware, the CDC relaxed masking guidelines earlier this week for outdoors and for those who have been vaccinated. However, not all within the University community have confirmed their full vaccination at this time. Therefore, given that the University community remains at risk for contraction, exposure and transmission of the COVID-19 virus, requirements to wear masks on campus and in all buildings will remain in place to provide as safe an environment as possible. We will keep the community appraised as we continue to evaluate CDC, State of Pennsylvania and Allegheny County guidelines.
FAFSA and Special Conditions
As you may be aware, the 2021-22 FAFSA asks you to report your income from 2019. If you or your family’s actual 2020 or projected 2021 income is less than your income in 2019, we encourage you to download and complete the Special Conditions Form and return it to the Financial Aid Office at finaid@carlow.edu. Submission of a Special Conditions form does not guarantee additional financial aid but there is no cost to submit the form.
Registration is Open
Registration for the Summer 21 session and Fall 21 semester remains open. If you have questions or concerns about registration, financial aid, or student accounts, don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate office by calling the HUB at 412-578-6389 or emailing the offices directly: registrar@carlow.edu, finaid@carlow.edu and studentaccounts@carlow.edu. You should also check Self-Service to make sure all requested documents for financial aid have been submitted.
As many of you shift your current living location, please make sure you continue to check your student email through the summer for announcements about COVID-19 pandemic mitigation, American Rescue Plan funds distribution, updates from the HUB and other important information.
Sincerely,
Timothy P. Phillips, PhD
Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students