Support for Students (Hurricane Ian)

We know the impacts of Hurricane Ian have been felt far and wide in the recent days. Student success and support is our main priority at UCF and we want to ensure that students, their families, and their support systems have access to information on resources and support services available to those experiencing these impacts.

Please read below for a list of helpful resources for students on behalf of Student Care Services at this time:

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Students impacted by the storm with outstanding needs should contact Student Care Services (SCS) by filling out this form or emailing CareManager@ucf.edu. UCF staff will continue to contact these students individually to provide resources and support as they navigate their recovery. All students also are encouraged to contact Counseling and Psychological Services’ (CAPS) crisis line at 407-823-2811 and press 5 if they need to speak with a therapist. 

Student Care Services may also be able to support students in the following ways:

• Emergency funding: Visit this website for additional information and application: https://scs.sdes.ucf.edu/emergency-funding/
• If students’ laptops are damaged or inaccessible, SCS may be able to provide them with a loaner laptop through the UCF Library.  Students should send an email to caremanager@ucf.edu
• Class Absence Request: Communication to professors that they may be missing class for due to the hurricane or related impact. We strongly encourage students to connect directly with their professors as soon as possible if they will be missing classes, so they can assist them with any extensions or academic arrangements. Our absence notice acts as additional support or notification. https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofCentralFlorida&layout_id=13
• Click HERE for a list of discounted hotel rates close to campus if those could be of assistance if students are in need of temporary lodging.
• Student Government has provided the following LYFT code: UCFIAN (promo code) provides 5 rides for $15.00 a ride.
• 63 South Dining Hall will be open for meals on Monday, October 3 from 10:00am-3:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm. Normal hours resume on Tuesday, October 4.

If your student would benefit from any of the above support or need additional support or resources, please do not hesitate to contact Student Care Services with questions. Student Care Services in located in Ferrell Commons, 196 (near 63 South) and is open from 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The office can be reached by calling 407-823-5607, emailing at caremanager@ucf.edu or visiting our website at https://scs.sdes.ucf.edu/.

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Additional Resources:

• Temporary Housing Relocation Support: Read this helpful article with options!
• Permanent Housing Relocation Options: Read this helpful article with options!
• Student Legal Services: Student Legal Services offers legal advice, consultation, and court representation in select areas of law that students encounter most often and for which it would be difficult to obtain other legal representation at affordable prices. This includes lease agreements and assistance. https://sls.sdes.ucf.edu/ 407-823-2538
• Knights Helping Knights Pantry is available for Knights who need support with items such as food, clothing, and toiletries. http://studentunion.ucf.edu/knights-pantry/
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): https://caps.sdes.ucf.edu/, 407-823-2811
  • CAPS offers free mental health individual sessions via phone and video. They also offer support groups and can assist you with finding off-campus providers.
  • *Crisis hotline 407-823-2811 available nights and weekends, 24/7
• Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) UCF: https://caps.sdes.ucf.edu/therapy-assisted-online-tao-self-help/
  • TAO is a self-guided interactive, web-based program that provides assistance to help overcome anxiety, depression, and other concerns. The TAO experience encompasses viewing short, helpful videos, taking part in brief exercises, using logs to track your mood and progress, and having access to a Mindfulness Library of relaxation videos.
• Financial Aid: (407) 823-2827 or https://www.ucf.edu/financial-aid/. They have a chat box feature that can help you in real time if you have questions and you can request an appointment to speak with a Financial Aid Advisor here in regards to your specific financial aid situation: https://www.ucf.edu/financial-aid/appointments/
  • You can look into optional or private loans: https://www.ucf.edu/financial-aid/types/loans/optional-private/
• Scholarships/Funding Support: Check opportunities weekly
  • UCF Student Financial Assistance Access 2 Opportunities internal scholarship listing: https://ucf.academicworks.com/opportunities
  • External Scholarship Opportunities: https://ucf.academicworks.com/opportunities/external
  • Reach out to your program of study to inquire about program specific scholarships.
  • Student Support Foundation Grant (academic and emergency financial assistance): https://lsa.sdes.ucf.edu/programs/student-support-foundation/
• 211 United Way: https://www.hfuw.org/gethelp/
  • Designed to assist and connect you with various resources in the area including food, shelter, mental health support, and other supportive programs.
• ACCESS Florida: https://dcf-access.dcf.state.fl.us/access/scrflaiewelcome.do?performAction=init&showMensaje=true
  • This website is available for people who live in Florida to find out if they might be able to get assistance with buying food, low or no-cost health care, temporary cash, or medicare premiums.
  • If you need help in completing the SNAP application and determining SNAP eligibility, I encourage you to reach out to Second Harvest Food Bank as they can assist you further.
• Full Cart: https://fullcart.org/ America’s Virtual Food Bank providing food with dignity and discretion delivered to those in need

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Please continue to reach out and ask for support in the coming days and weeks. We are here for you and your student!