COVID-19 Emergency Funding - CARES Act Information for Students

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or, CARES Act, was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act allotted $2.2 trillion for economic aid to the American people negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of that money, approximately $14 billion was given to the Office of Postsecondary Education as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, or HEERF. Under HEERF, Albion College received formula funding under Section 18004(a)(1) and also under 18004 Section(a)(2). The purpose of this webpage is to provide information to Albion students, the campus community, the public, and the U.S. Department of Education regarding its HEERF expenditures and awarding processes.

Section 18004(a)(1) of HEERF allotted emergency formula funding to Albion College. At least 50% ($915,616) of the $1,831,232 emergency formula funds allotted to Albion must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. The Department of Education authorized recipient institutions to use the remaining 50% of CARES Section 18004(a)(1) funding (for Albion College, the remaining $915,615)—known as CARES Institutional Funds—to cover institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.

Section 18004(a)(2) of HEERF allotted additional funding to Albion College totaling $89,124. The Department of Education authorized recipient institutions to use funding received under 18004(a)(2) for a variety of institutional costs benefiting student education during the coronavirus pandemic.

Report on CARES Institutional and SIP Funds

As noted previously, Albion College received $915,615 in Institutional Funds under 18004(a)(1).The College also received an additional $89,124 under 18004(a)(2) which was distributed to institutions eligible for the Strengthening Institutions Program and other federal programs.This section links to the required Albion College Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reports Under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, and 18004(a)(2), for this funding.

October 30, 2020 Albion College Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reports Under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, and 18004(a)(2)

December 31, 2020 Albion College Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reports Under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, and 18004(a)(2)

March 31, 2021 Albion College Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reports Under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, and 18004(a)(2)

Report on CARES Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students

Albion College signed and returned, to the Department of Education, the Certification Agreement and assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The College received the funding on April 31, 2020.

TOTAL AMOUNT of Emergency Financial Aid Grants DISTRIBUTED to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of December March 31, 2020: $915,616.

ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER of STUDENTS at the institution ELIGIBLE to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965: 1339.

TOTAL NUMBER of STUDENTS who HAVE RECEIVED an Emergency Financial Aid Grant: 913.

Eligibility

• Only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV (e.g. Pell and Federal Student Loans) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants. If a student has filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then the student has demonstrated eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 the HEA. Students who have not filed a FAFSA but who are eligible to file a FAFSA also may receive emergency financial aid grants.
• Students must be currently enrolled at Albion College.
• Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. Albion College undocumented students and international students are not eligible based on Department of Education’s guidance.
• Students must be enrolled in a degree.

Students who have financial hardship due to COVID-19 due to disruption in campus operations and who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants. If a student has filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then the student has demonstrated eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 the HEA. Students who have not filed a FAFSA but who are eligible to file a FAFSA also may receive emergency financial aid grants. The criteria to participate in programs under Section 484 of the HEA include but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.

Process

All eligible students* who have completed a 2019-2020 and/or 2020-2021 FAFSA application and were determined by the Financial Aid Office to be eligible for federal financial aid (Title IV) will receive an emergency grant between $250-$1,300 based upon need. Students do not have to apply or take any action. For all eligible students, the emergency grant will be posted on student’s account and within a week a refund will be generated for the same amount. Any students who may need additional assistance will be required to complete the 'Emergency Grant Aid Request". Due to limited funding, additional request for Emergency Grant Aid will be based on availability of funds.

*Eligible students must be currently enrolled in good academic standing, have been enrolled in a degree program at Albion College on March 13, 2020; and meet all qualifications for federal financial aid (Title IV).

CARES Act Questions and Answers

What is the CARES Act?

The CARES Act is federal legislation which provides a variety of financial support to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. One part of this federal program allocates money to Albion College, and a portion of that allocation can be awarded to students who are experiencing financial expenses because of the campus disruption in operations due to the coronavirus.

What kinds of expenses are allowable?

Expenses need to be directly related to the changes in campus operations due to the coronavirus. Here are some examples:

• If a student needs a laptop because the college moved to online courses, that would be an allowable expense.
• If a student worked on campus and now the job is suspended, funds could be used to pay for expenses because the college changed operationally.

Note: If you or a family member lost your job and cannot afford to pay for books, that expense would not be allowed because it does not relate to the college’s change in operations.

Funds can be used for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, tuition, fees, or child care. These expenses need to be tied directly to a specific change in how the college is operating due to the coronavirus.

If I need additional assistance and submit an Emergency Grant Aid Request as referenced above, how much can I apply for?

We have a limited amount granted to us, and we appreciate students only asking for the amount needed so we can serve as many students as possible.

How do I apply?

Eligible students who completed a 2019-2020 FAFSA application and were determined by the Financial Aid Office to be eligible for federal financial aid (Title IV) automatically received an emergency grant; they did not have to apply or take any action. Students who needed additional assistance beyond their automatic CARES emergency grant were invited to submit an Emergency Grant Aid Request to the Financial Aid Office.

Does the money need to be repaid?

No, money received through this fund does not need to be repaid.

Would this funding reduce my financial aid?

No, this fund does not negate nor replace financial aid, and it is a one-time grant.

What are the deadlines to apply?

Applications are taken throughout October 2020- or until funds are available.

Who can I call for more information?

For questions and inquiries, contact the Office of Financial Aid at .

Updated: March 31, 2021