April 1, 2020

Dear UNT Students,

I know that the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting you deeply, and I hope you are doing well as we find new ways to support your progress. I hope you are all staying safe and are doing your best to take care of each other and your families.

Those of you who rely on income from campus jobs have expressed your concerns over whether we will be able to provide you with financial assistance. The short answer is we will provide support to all student workers who were employed in the week before spring break, but have been unable to return to work because of the pandemic.

You will be paid 20 hours per week for the first two weeks of April. This paycheck will come to you in the same manner in which you received your most recent paycheck; either via direct deposit or mail, on May 1. We want to help you be successful and will continue to look for resources for students who have critical needs.

In the interim, please be aware the UNT Career Center has created a central repository to match students in need of hours with units across the university with available work. The Career Center also is helping match students with part-time employment in the community, when possible. We also asked departments to stop hiring new student employees until we find work for our displaced students. Finally, there also are resources from the City of Denton for those seeking employment.

Please know that even if you don't have hours now, you still could have a campus position when the university is fully operational again - pending approval from your supervisor. We encourage you to reach out to your direct supervisor with specific questions regarding your position and contact the Career Center for general questions and guidance.

If you are facing financial hardship due to this crisis, contact the Student Money Management Center, Dean of Students Office and Student Legal Services to be connected with resources. UNT's Start Green Stay Green program also is a resource for students seeking options for financial assistance.

Your Mean Green Family is here to support you in every way we can during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Neal Smatresk
UNT President