When Hannah Rosenoff read an email announcing that UF was offering financial aid to students affected by Hurricane Irma, she wasn’t surprised.
“I noticed it and thought, ‘This should be done,’” the 20-year-old UF wildlife and ecology conservation junior said.
After the storm knocked down trees and flooded streets in Gainesville, UF announced Wednesday it will provide money to students who had their possessions damaged.
Tammy Aagard, the associate vice president for enrollment management, wrote in an email that as of Thursday night, about 40 students had asked UF about the aid, and the office has issued fewer than 10 applications for more aid. Aagard said they’re putting together an announcement about funding sources, to be released later.
“The University of Florida administration made the decision based on the serious nature of this disaster and its impacts on our students,” Aagard said.
To apply, students must submit a special disaster relief aid application by Oct. 20 to the office of Student Financial Affairs, which will review each application based on individual needs, Aagard said.
Students requesting up to $500 must provide a signed statement outlining their needs and how the aid will help. If students request more than $500, they must provide photos of damaged items and estimates for replacements and repairs, she said.
Students who already applied for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, can apply to be re-evaluated by the office.
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