“It was my understanding that the government allotted $6,500 for each student back in August. What happened to the other half,” said Colin Brengam, a junior with a major in animal science.
Brengam is referring to an act proposed by the state legislature of Wyoming.
“That was our legislative committee working to draft a bill and pay tuition. We never came together to act the bill. The governor took our recommendation and the county commissioner said we could link it to the room and board. It expired on December 31 and we could only do one semester,” said Representative Steve Harshman from Natrona County.
Harshman said there will be no further funds from the state of Wyoming.
“I think we just don’t have any money now. It’s unclear what’s going to happen with federal action. It’s wait and see,” said Harshman. “It’s more of a long shot now for the second semester.”
It is also unlikely for students to receive funds through UW. Possible remaining funds for students may be found through the Dean of Students Office with the student emergency fund called Pokes Make a Difference.
“The Scholarship and Financial Aid Office can only direct students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if they have not already done so. Federal loans are all we have to really offer if students have not borrowed up to their yearly limits,” said Debra Hintz, the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Hintz said that the funds for the CARES Act from this fall needed to be distributed to students before December 31, 2020.
“The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) received this spring to be awarded to students has been exhausted,” said Hintz. “Our office is certainly willing to listen to students’ concerns but feel very limited in being able to provide any financial options that are appealing.”
Students may find other resources for financial aid or other aid with food within the university or Laramie.
The UW Food Share Pantry is available to UW students, staff, and faculty.
“Right now we’re operating through a curbside pickup model. They can order on our website and pick up later. We are working towards an open space setup but right now are operating through a curbside pickup,” said Kirby Skoric, the UW Food Share Pantry Coordinator and UW graduate.
The pantry is operating with a form filled out online at www.uwyo.edu/foodsharepantry. The form requests a pickup order and is available to anyone in need.
The UW Food Share Pantry also provides hygiene items as well as food.
“Students are getting hit hard with this. It is important for other resources on campus to be able to help students,” said Skoric.
Skoric said in Laramie there are other organizations to help anyone in need. Laramie Interfaith provided weekly groceries as well as rent assistance. The Laramie Soup Kitchen provides food.
