The Department of Education released guidance on April 21 stating that students who are exclusively enrolled in ONLINE courses are not eligible for emergency financial aid grants under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

As students of this institution, we do not agree with the Department of Educations’ guidance that our applications have to be withdrawn for the COVID-19 emergency assistance under the CARES Act.

The School Counseling program at USC promotes equity and justice while instilling in its Master’s students the importance of advocacy. We are speaking directly to the heads of the program to advocate for us as they have taught us to advocate for our future students. 

Those who are enrolled in online programs are still part of the fabric of USC, and we have expenses that do not discriminate regardless of whether we are online or on-campus students. 

By signing the petition, we as students, advocates, and the community would like the University of Southern California to assist us in including us in an emergency assistance program that mirrors the amount of support that the Cares Act allows a student to be able to receive.

Thank you for your support!