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Hurricane Helene Questions

Students impacted by Hurricane Helene who have a loss of parental or personal income, or who have additional expenses due to the hurricane, should contact the financial aid office to discuss their options. Students who haven't completed the 24-25 FAFSA should do so if they want to access financial aid for assistance.

Can I receive additional financial aid to assist me with expenses related to damages caused by hurricane Helene?

A student affected by Hurricane Helene can submit a special circumstance form to request an increase in their overall cost of attendance due to storm-related expenses. These expenses may include costs for books and supplies, food and housing, transportation, or personal/miscellaneous items necessary for their studies.  The increase will not affect the amount of gift aid a student receives, but it will allow the student to raise their student loan amounts if they have remaining eligibility.  The form is on our website:  Budget Adjustment Request.  Once completed, you can upload your document through our convenient “Document Upload” link.

What should I do if my parent lost their job, or their income has decreased due to the hurricane? Additionally, what steps should I take if my own income has been reduced or lost because of the hurricane?

A student who has lost their job, or whose parent has lost their job or experienced a reduction in income due to the hurricane, can complete a special circumstance form to determine if their overall Student Aid Index (SAI) from FAFSA has changed. This may make the student eligible for additional gift aid, student loans, or both.  If your parent lost their job, or had a reduction in income, you can complete the “Change in Circumstances – Parent” form. If you lost your job, or had a reduction in income, you can complete the “Change in Circumstances – Student” form.  Once completed, you can upload your document through our convenient “Document Upload” link.

What resources are available on campus?

  • Students can access free food at each campus Feed-A-Bull Food Panty.  Information about each pantry can be accessed here. 
  • Students wanting more information about on and off campus non-monetary resources can schedule a 1:1 appointment with a Bull2Bull counselor here.

I am receiving financial aid and am unable to complete my semester and need to withdraw from my courses.  What should I do?

  • Reach out to an academic advocate to discuss your academic options.  Academic advocates are ready to help students in academic distress via this link or email at academicadvocacy@usf.edu.
  • You should reach out to the financial aid office prior to withdrawing to determine how this will impact your current and future financial aid eligibility. 
  • If after meeting with an academic advocate and speaking with financial aid, you still need to withdraw from your classes, please see the Office of the Registrar for more information on the process.

Will my tuition be adjusted if I must withdraw from my courses?

Please visit the Office of the Registrar website for more information regarding fee adjustments.