Financial-aid disbursements delayed at YSU for fall semester

YOUNGSTOWN — Disbursement of financial aid and scholarship funds for Youngstown State University students has been delayed because of federal rules and ongoing contract talks between YSU and the union representing its faculty.

“The U.S. Department of Education has advised YSU not to disburse financial aid funds until we know for certain when fall semester classes will start,” according to an email sent today to YSU students. “As you know, the faculty union has exercised its legal right to file a notice of intent to strike. At this time, therefore, we do not know for certain if fall-semester classes will start as scheduled on Aug. 29.”

The email is signed by Gene Grilli, vice president for administration and finance, and Jack Fahey, vice president for student affairs.

“Given this uncertainty and the advice of the U.S. Department of Education, all financial aid and scholarship funds that were to be disbursed beginning today, Aug. 19, will be delayed,” the email says. “Payment due dates will also be adjusted. Both the university and the faculty bargaining teams are working hard to reach a settlement and avoid a strike. We remain optimistic the parties will soon reach a contract agreement, allowing us to start classes with certainty on Aug. 29 and to, therefore, disburse these funds.”

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