Need help paying for rent? Utah's new rent assistance program is here to help!

If you're facing housing instability because of the pandemic, you can apply for rent assistance through a new online portal starting March 15. This new application will centralize the rent assistance process for the whole state. Previously, local community action program agencies administered rent assistance. As of Monday, these area rent assistance applications are unavailable to allow the state time to transition to the new program.

Eligibility requirements for rent assistance include having a combined household income at or below 80% of area median income, qualifying for unemployment or otherwise experiencing significant financial difficulties because of the pandemic, and experiencing housing instability. Expenses eligible to be covered by rent assistance include current rent, three months of prospective rent, past-due rent, some fees, security deposit, utilities and internet service.

Struggling renters can prepare to file their applications at rentrelief.utah.gov.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is dedicated to creating an inclusive campus environment in which diversity is explored and celebrated. The center exists to validate the multiple identities present on our campus, while integrating the voices and experiences of minoritized people. The CDI strives to empower students from historically underrepresented communities including students of color, LGBTQIA+, first-generation college students, and undocumented students (among others) by providing community; personal guidance; and financial, emotional, and academic support. We believe all students can be successful and as a team, and work to create an environment where students are supported on their path toward a college degree.

In carrying out this mission, the CDI is hiring a select team of high-achieving, passionate, and outgoing student leaders to act as Beacons, the CDI’s official ambassador team. The ideal candidate will possess the following minimum requirements:

• Be a Southern Utah University (SUU) student
• Have a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be hired and maintain a 3.0+ GPA each semester while you are employed by the CDI
• Have completed at least one semester at SUU
• Be available to work 10-20 hours per week September 2021 - December 2021 & January 2022 - April 2022 (except breaks and holidays)
• Must have flexible hours and will be expected to work anywhere from 10-20 hours a week. (Having large commitments to other jobs, clubs, or organizations that exceed 10 hours per week will conflict with your ability to succeed as a CDI student leader. If you believe these commitments will hinder your ability to commit to having flexible hours, this may not be the job for you.)
• Available to work evenings and weekends on which CDI events are scheduled.
• Available to attend weekly CDI staff meetings.
• Ability to travel occasionally for CDI purposes. (The university will cover the costs of transportation.)
• Attend required staff retreats and socials. Attendance is critical for professional development, leadership training, and sense of camaraderie.
• Ample notice will be given to make necessary accommodations.

If you're interested in studying abroad in Ireland, the Education in Ireland Program is offering an Inclusive Ireland Scholarship to students studying abroad at one of our partner universities in Ireland, such as:

• Athlone Institute of Technology
• Dublin City University
• Dundalk Institute of Technology
• Galway Mayo Institute of Technology
• IADT
• Institute of Technology Carlow
• Institute of Technology Sligo
• Limerick Institute of Technology
• Mary Immaculate College
• Maynooth University
• Munster Technological University 
• National University of Ireland Galway
• Queen's University of Belfast
• Technological University of Dublin
• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Cork
• University College Dublin 
• University of Limerick 
• Waterford Institute of Technology

In order to be considered for the scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a college or university in the United States
• Identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour)
• Intend to study abroad at one of the participating colleges or universities in Ireland during the Fall 2021 term (see list below)
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above

• Be tribal affiliated
• Be between the ages of 18 and 25
• Have a GED or HS Diploma
• Pass a Criminal History Check

• Math: 950, 970, 1010, 1050, 1060, 1210
• Chemistry:  1010, 1015, 1110, 1115, 1210, 1220