We know how easy it is to feel lost while transitioning into this new “normal”. Luckily, there are a bunch of companies and services here to help. Below is a list of the ones that we’ve found so far, and we will continue to update our list as we come across more opportunities for you to take advantage of.
If you are falling behind on paying bills, credit card payments, or rent checks, it is important to remain calm yet proactive. You’ll get through this. Luckily, there are plenty of resources to help keep your financial well being afloat.
As of March 27th, Gov. Tony Evers has temporarily ordered the suspension of evictions and foreclosures amid the COVID-19 public health emergency. This new order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for any reason, unless the lack of an eviction puts others in danger. If you cannot currently pay rent, you do not need to be afraid of getting evicted! Similarly, if you are having trouble paying off loans or credit card debt, many lenders are allowing deferred payments with no additional interest. BUT, this does not mean you can just stop paying right away! The most important thing is communication. Call your landlord, call your bank, call your credit card company, and tell them that you are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. They should be able to work with you to lay out all of the options given your unique situation.
Information on Financial Aid:
The Department of Federal Student Aid has created a list of commonly asked questions that relate to course credit, financial aid, and how to stay in touch with your campus throughout this period of shelter-in-place.
If my school moves classes online, am I going to get less financial aid?
If your school has moved classes to an online format, you must continue to participate in the course work and follow your teacher’s or professor’s instructions to remain eligible for financial aid. If you have questions about the online format, contact your school.
Undergraduate Admissions Contacts
International Admissions Offices
Beginning March 13, 2020, all loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education will have interest waived for at least 60 days. This includes: Direct Loans, as well as Federal Perkins Loans and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans. Students do not need to do anything or fill out any forms for these loans as the Department of Education will automatically adjust your account so that interest doesn’t accrue.This does not include private student loans.
The Department of Education may extend the 60 day period depending on the status of the COVID-19 national emergency.
Please contact your loan service as soon as possible if you are having trouble making payments.
If you have a Federal Perkins Loan, contact your school. You can easily avoid the consequences of delinquency or default by staying in touch with your servicer or school.
To contact your loan servicer online or by phone:
https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers#your-servicer
If you do not know who your servicer is or how to contact them, visit StudentAid.gov/login or call us at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243; TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired 1-800-730-8913) for assistance.
Administrative Forbearance:
You may request an administrative forbearance by contacting your loan servicer. Administrative forbearance allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. Interest will not accrue while you are in forbearance. Payments will resume once administrative forbearance ends. Again the Department of Education may extend that period depending on the status of the COVID-19 national emergency.
Each UW Campus along with UW System Administration has created a page dedicated to their specific campus community. Links to each website can be found below:
UW System Administration: https://www.wisconsin.edu/coronavirus/
Tips for Successful Online Learning
Make a Study Plan:
- Set goals
- Create a daily schedule
- Make blocks of time dedicated for class and for studying (and for breaks)
Rest Up and Take Breaks:
- Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can skip on sleep
- Give your mind time to decompress
Make a Dedicated Space for Studying:
- Designate a desk, table, or countertop specific to study time
- Find the supplies and resources you will need to keep focused
Eliminate Distractions:
- Place your phone in airplane mode
- Limit your time on social media
- Turn off the television and the news
Engage in the Online Discussion:
- A solid network can make all the difference
- Participating will help you stay accountable and interested in what is going on
Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Wisely:
- Use a planner for tracking important deadlines (assignments and exams)
- Set reminders
Join or Set Up an Online Study Group:
- Working together will keep everyone on track
- Creates community and builds support
Follow your Professor’s Class Rules:
- As stated in UW System Policy, if a professor requests that you turn on your webcam and microphone during an exam, you must comply in order to receive class credit
Still nervous about online classes? Check out these seven tips that students wished they knew going into online learning!
Resources for Teachers
- Teach from Home – A temporary hub of information and tools to help teachers during the coronavirus crisis.
- NextGen Personal Finance – Tools to help teach personal finance (and to try for your own financial well-being!).
If you need to get in touch with your campus, please visit the UW HELP Campus Contacts page.
If you know of any other resources that you think would be beneficial, please send details to Steven Wright at swright@uwsa.edu.