COVID-19 Updates

What is Ivy Tech's current policy on masks?

While masks are welcome at Ivy Tech, each campus Chancellor will determine if mask wearing will be required. Please check with your campus for the most up to date information.

Is the vaccine mandatory?

Ivy Tech is not requiring the vaccine for students, faculty, and staff. We encourage all who are able to get the vaccine to do so when it becomes available to them.

Where can I get more credible information about the vaccine?

Please see the Center for Disease Control or the Indiana Department of Health website for more detailed information about the science, vaccine safety, rollout, and who should receive the vaccine.

There are no in-state or out-of-state institution related travel restrictions.

My financial situation has changed. Can I be considered for more financial assistance?

The FAFSA asks for your tax year information from two years prior to the academic year.  If your current income is significantly lower than what is reflected on your FAFSA, you may be able to request a Special Circumstances Review.  Reasons that may be considered for a Special Circumstances Review include loss of income due to layoff, disability, divorce, separation or loss of untaxed benefits.

If you feel you have a situation that may allow for a Special Circumstances Review, visit your campus Express Enrollment Center or Financial Aid Office to determine if you should complete the Special Circumstances Review Form. They will review your situation with you and determine what documentation you will need to submit to support your request for this review. Please click on Learn More for contact information and to request a virtual appointment.

Please note that not all requests for Special Circumstances Reviews are approved.  Also, if your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), based on your FAFSA results, is already zero, there is no need for you to request a Special Circumstance Review.

Special Circumstance Reviews can take up to 30 days to process upon completion of required steps and forms to the campus Financial Aid Office. Incomplete submissions are not processed and will delay the response.

More About Special Circumstances

What if I fail to meet financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) due to the impact of COVID-19?

Students who fail to meet financial aid SAP requirements who have extenuating circumstances may appeal their Financial Aid eligibility. Extenuating circumstances may include the death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances. Circumstances related to an outbreak of COVID-19, including, but not limited to, the illness of a student or family member, compliance with a quarantine period, or the general disruption resulting from such an outbreak may form the basis of a student’s SAP appeal. Appeals will be reviewed by the SAP Appeal Committee at each campus within 14 days after a completed appeal packet is submitted. Students will be notified at their Ivy Tech email address of the committee’s decision. Visit ivytech.edu/sap for more information.

Additionally, withdrawn courses and courses marked incomplete after March 13, 2020 can be excluded from the Completion Rate and Maximum Timeframe calculation for students with a COVID-19 related issue. If these provisions apply to your situation, please submit a COVID-19 Statement using the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Personal Announcement link on MyIvy.

What if I need to withdraw from all of my classes because of COVID-19?

Students who do not complete classes for which they received federal financial aid usually have to repay some or all of the aid.  If your reason for withdrawal was COVID-related, however, we may not have to return those funds, because of flexibilities offered under the CARES Act.  These flexibilities could apply to your own illness, the illness of someone whose care you are responsible for, or other COVID-related circumstances.

Please contact your campus Financial Aid Office or Express Enrollment Center and let them know of your situation.  They will ask you to submit a signed, dated statement in which you explain the reason for your withdrawal.  Your statement can be submitted electronically; please open the link below for a Financial Aid Office e-mail address at your campus.

How can I provide requested documents to my Ivy Tech Financial Aid Office other than postal mail?

Verification documents requested from our Verification Processing Center must be uploaded as instructed using the links provided in the email notifications. Exception: Students whose verification requirements include the Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose may download that form from our Financial Aid Forms page, print and sign, and securely submit it electronically (along with a copy of your government-issued photo ID to your campus Financial Aid Office (see link to campuses below).

Other documents requested by the financial aid office can be returned via postal mail or using Ivy Tech’s secure file drop.  By clicking on the link associated with your campus and entering your Ivy Tech student identification number (starting with C) and Ivy Tech email address, you will be able to securely upload documents.  The following file types are permitted: .bmp, .png, .jpg, .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx.

campus links

Are Emergency FSEOG and Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund grants to students' taxable income?

No. Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants to students and Emergency Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) awards under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) are not taxable income for the student. According to IRS FAQs, "Emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act for unexpected expenses, unmet financial need, or expenses related to the disruption of campus operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as unexpected expenses for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare, are qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code.  This grant is not includible in your gross income.

I am unable to pay my monthly payment plan installment due to being temporarily laid off. What should I do?

If you are not able to make payments as agreed, please contact your campus Business/Bursar Office to discuss options. It is best to reach out to your local campus.