As everyone is well aware, NYC took a big hit from Hurricane Sandy and the Nor’easter a couple weeks ago. In particular, many of our students have been affected, and there are still some without power, gas or water. At this time, we are working with students on a case-by-case basis to best assess how we can help them move forward. Below is some information regarding assistance to our students.
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College Foundation and Student Activity Fee Committee Provide $50,000 for Emergency Grants
The SUNY Empire State College Foundation and the college’s Student Activity Fee Committee are providing a total of $50,000 dollars for a new grant program to assist students who wish to continue their education as they manage the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Acting President Meg Benke, College Council Chairman James Lytle, Foundation Board Chairwoman Ann Turner and Student Activity Fee Committee Chairman Hector Soto, ’08 have expressed support for students in the affected areas.
“On behalf of all the members of the faculty and staff of the college, and the members of the college’s Foundation Board, its College Council and its Student Alumni Federation Board, please know that we are deeply concerned about all of you living in storm-battered areas, and will do all that we can to support you academically and help get you through these trying times,” said Benke.
The grant may allow individual students to replace books, study materials, tablets/computers and to address other losses or needs that relate directly to their being able to continue their studies in the college. Grants of up to $500 will be available by application.
The college has set up a website, www.esc.edu/hurricane, where the application for the grant, as well as other resources to assist the entire college community, are available.
This special website also may be accessed by clicking on the “Hurricane Assistance” button on the right side of the college’s home page, www.esc.edu.
The $50,000 will be allocated to the Hudson Valley, Long Island and Metropolitan New York regions, the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies, the Center for Distance Learning, the School for Graduate Studies and the college’s Nursing program for awards. Funds will be administered by the deans at each location, based on recommendations from mentors, student services professionals and other staff.
Grant guidelines are as follows:
Grants will be available to students currently enrolled in the college’s 2012 September
or November study terms,
Deans will make the grants for up to $500 after reviewing all applications.
Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012.
Owing to limited funding, regrettably grants are not available for general disaster relief or personal tragedies.
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(1.) Extra time to complete studies: Mentors and adjuncts are committed to working with students who have been affected by the storm, offering extra time if needed. Students should contact each mentor/instructor directly to discuss the best way of continuing their studies.
(2.) Withdrawals: the college is temporarily relaxing it’s withdrawal policies for students affected by the Hurricane (September and November terms). Students need to go to www.esc.edu/withdraw, fill out the withdrawal form and be sure to check the box indicating that they have been affected by the storm.
(3.) Educational Grants: The college is offering a limited number of grants designed to replace lost educational materials like books and computers ($500 maximum). Applications are due by November 27 at 5pm. Students can apply online at:
https://empire1.esc.edu/ESConline/Forms/hurricansandy.nsf/sandyApp?OpenForm
All affected students are encouraged to apply for the grant. If a student is unsure about whether to pursue Extra Time or a Retro-Withdrawal, they should contact their Mentor and/or Student Services (student.metro@esc.edu or 646-230-1253).