DSU announces help for federal workers with children at DSU

Yesterday at the 75th Anniversary of the Newark, Delaware NAACP Chapter Freedom Fund Annual Dinner, University President Tony Allen, announced that Delaware State University would temporarily defer payments for students and families who are experiencing direct financial impacts due to the ongoing shutdown of the federal government.

“Through no fault of their own, too many families have been directly impacted by the shutdown.   And in some households that will automatically mean “dreams deferred,” said Allen.  Starting today, the University will temporarily defer remaining payments for the Fall 2025 semester and reduce downpayment and financial balance requirements for qualifying students “in good academic and financial standing” to register for classes in Spring 2026.

He continued, “We do not want that to happen at Delaware State University.  If doing our part by providing temporary relief is all that we can do, then we must go boldly and in the best interests of our exceptional student community.”

A team of University colleagues from Student Accounts, Student Success, Institutional Advancement, and Financial Aid will review requests for accommodations. Students and/or parents will be required to provide documentation of furlough or other direct impact from the shutdown. The committee may establish additional guidelines for review.

“We are hearing stories of real hardship from parents and families who are directly affected by the shutdown of the federal government,” said Carold Boyer-Yancy, AVP of Student Accounts at Delaware State University. “This new policy will make sure students can continue their education it their parents are furloughed or have seen their paychecks affected by the shutdown in Washington.”

“As I work with my colleagues to reopen the government and fight to lower Delawareans’ skyrocketing health care costs,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “I’m glad that Delaware State University is stepping up to ensure that qualifying students won’t lose out on educational opportunities during the government shutdown. The burden of the shutdown can weigh heavily on families as they face furloughs and missed paychecks, and I’m grateful for the leadership of DSU President Tony Allen and the whole Del State community for their work to protect students and their educational futures.”

“Once again, Delaware State University is stepping up when it matters most,” said U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “During this difficult time, when families are struggling to make ends meet, the university’s decision to support students impacted by the shutdown proves that Delaware is a state of neighbors, where we look out for one another. As my colleagues and I work to reopen the federal government and deliver for the American people, I am grateful to President Allen and the entire DSU family for being strong, compassionate partners.”

“The University understands that the current financial crisis affecting federal employees with students enrolled at DSU is beyond their control,” said Dr. Patrice Gilliam, Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “DSU is doing its part to help families as they go through this situation by instituting measure to help their children continue their academic journeys uninterrupted.”

Students or families who have questions about potential shutdown accommodations should email studentaccounts [at] desu.edu with “Government Shutdown” in the subject line.