May 5, 2020

Based on the message on behalf of Dr. Jonathan Driver, Vice President Academic and Provost:

The University is extending the summer term tuition and student fees payment deadline from May 25 to June 15. This extension gives you more time to seek additional funding or part-time work opportunities. (See below). SFU is also developing a payment plan option for summer term. This option will allow you to pay your tuition and fees balance by instalment over a longer period, without affecting your ability to enroll for the fall term. SFU is setting up a dedicated webpage for this program, and will publish full details and instructions as soon as possible. SFU will also email you again at that time. Paying in full by the deadline remains your best option. Alternatively, you will be able to make use of a payment plan. Note that the normal late fee of two per cent per month will still apply on any outstanding balance on your account after the payment deadline, and you will still need to pay off your balance by the end of summer term. However, with a payment plan, you will be permitted to register for fall term courses, even if you have not yet paid all your summer fees. If you are concerned about your ability to afford your tuition and student fees, please reach out for assistance and to investigate other funding sources:

• Financial Aid and Awards supports full-time undergraduate students through scholarship and award opportunities. Bursaries are also available to full-time undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need (international students are eligible). Part-time and full-time Canadian students may qualify for government student loans and grants. American students (i.e. U.S. citizens) can access U.S. Direct Loan programs.
• Graduate students wanting to learn about fellowships, scholarships, and awards should contact the Dean of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Fellows.
• Emergency funding is available to assist with technology costs associated with the transition to remote learning. Deadline to apply is May 8. Email fiassist@sfu.ca for further information.
• The Government of Canada recently announced further COVID-19 funding for post secondary students. Details will be published on that website.
• The Careers and Volunteer Services has a resource to help you find work. Career Educators are available by phone or online M-F for conversations about work search, future plans, or career uncertainty.
• Students impacted by COVID-19 can email student_support@sfu.ca to arrange a phone call, virtual meeting, or email follow-up with a Student Services case manager. A case manager will work with you to coordinate appropriate supports and/or solutions. Graduate students may prefer to contact Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies through the ticketing system or by email to gradstdy@sfu.ca.

The new webpage will provide instructions, links, and information for all these topics, and more. Again, SFU will let you know when it’s ready, so watch your inbox.