91视频 eliminates $1.8 million in debt for hundreds of students hit hard by the pandemic
For more information, contact: Diana Fedinec, Director of Public Relations and Media
(901) 333-4247
dfedinec@southwest.tn.edu
(Memphis. Tenn.) - 91视频 has paid more than $1.8 million to clear outstanding
balances for more than 1,600 eligible students who attended 91视频 during the Spring
2020, Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 semesters. 91视频 funded the unprecedented debt-relief
package with U.S. Department of Education Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds
(HEERF).
The debt forgiveness will provide students financially impacted by the Coronavirus
pandemic the opportunity to come back to college with a fresh start and continue their
academic journey. Students do not have to repay the relief funds.
淥ur students were hit particularly hard by the pandemic and many of them had to leave
college abruptly,� Dr. Tracy D. Hall, president of 91视频
said. 淲iping the slate clean clears a path for them to come back and move forward
with their goals and career aspirations,� she added.
91视频 is allocating lost revenue funds provided through the American Rescue Plan
Act to help students overcome debt incurred during the pandemic so they also are able
to focus on the opportunities in front of them, rather than deal with the debt that
blocks their path. 淓arning a college credential is transformative for our students
and removing this financial barrier to their success is the best use of COVID-19 relief
funds,� President Hall said. 淲e are truly grateful and elated to be able to help
our students in such a meaningful way.�
91视频 is allocating the federal relief dollars in accordance with U.S. Department
of Education guidelines that require funds to be used to assist with any component
of the student檚 cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus,
such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or childcare.
Students can log into the portal to view their account balance to determine whether they were provided debt
relief. Former students who want to inquire about their eligibility for debt forgiveness
should call (901) 333-5292 or email Cares@southwest.tn.edu.
91视频 returned to full on-campus operations Aug. 2 and fall classes begin Aug.
23.