CARES Act Reporting: Student Funds

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences signed & returned a Certification & Agreement with the Department of Education to accept allocated funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2. The ARP established and funded the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) to provide emergency financial aid grants. These critical funds help eligible Cabarrus College students cover expenses related to unanticipated travel, additional technology requirements, or other needs related to an emergency situation.

Federal Emergency Aid Grant Reporting

As of December 31st, Cabarrus College received $676,348 in total for students to fund the Federal Emergency Financial Aid Grants. The estimated total number of students potentially eligible to be considered to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants in quarter 4 was 557. As of December 31, 2021, a total of $505,713 in HEER funds since the onset of the pandemic has been disbursed to 1045 students with $271,235 of these dollars being distributed in quarter 4 of 2021.

Federal Emergency Aid Grant Criteria and Eligibility

Cabarrus College made Federal HEERF III funds available to all currently enrolled students through encouraging them to contact the Financial Aid Office if they were having difficulty paying tuition via an email sent to student email accounts.

The email stated “some of you may be experiencing difficulty in meeting your tuition balance. If you have faced significant unexpected expenses for you or your family (due to COVID) that has affected your financial circumstances, such as loss of employment, reduced income, or food or housing insecurity, you may be eligible for emergency financial aid grants. You have two courses of action:

1. Please contact (via email) the Director of Financial Aid, Valerie Richard to explain your extenuating circumstances. In your email, please explain the unexpected expenses you have faced that have impacted your financial circumstances and causing you hardship. Mrs. Richard and myself (Dean, Student Affairs) will review your extenuating circumstances and determine if you are eligible for an emergency financial aid grant.
2. Changes to Your Family's Financial Situation
   If you or your family's financial situation has changed significantly from what is reflected on your federal income tax return (for example, if you've lost a job or otherwise experienced a drop in income), you may be eligible to have your financial aid adjusted. Complete the FAFSA questions as instructed on the application (including the transfer of tax return and income information), submit your FAFSA form, then contact the Director of Financial Aid, Valerie Richard to discuss how your current financial situation has changed. Mrs. Richard and myself (Dean, Student Affairs) will review your extenuating circumstances and determine if you are eligible for an emergency financial aid grant.

Please note that the decision of Mrs. Richard and Dean Corsello is final and cannot be appealed. Thank you and we can’t wait to see you in the fall!

Funding for the amounts distributed were determined based upon:

• Student’s enrollment status
• Number of credit hours taken
• Any outstanding tuition balance
• Hardship as explained in the application along with financial needs

1. An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the 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.
1. Date Certification and Agreement signed: the College signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement on 07/15/2020 that assures the institution intends to use no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
2. Date institution received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
   HEERF I – November 4, 2020
   HEERF II – May 4, 2021
   HEERF III – August 6, 2021
2. The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
   HEERF I - $231,370
   HEERF II - $489,746
   HEERF III - $823,416
3. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter).
   HEERF I - $116,026
   HEERF II - $6750
   HEERF III - $82,988
4. The 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 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
   HEERF I – 357
   HEERF II and III – 567
5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
   HEERF I – 24 in 2021
   EERF II – 13 in 2021
   HEERF III – 45 in 2021
6. The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. In accordance with the federal guidelines, students enrolled on March 13, 2020 in a program of study that is NOT a 100% online program and for which credit hours are awarded are eligible to receive these funds.

HEERF I - Cabarrus College developed an application to collect information from students who experienced unexpected expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Funding levels were based on the results of completed applications. The college Administration also determined that all 357 students who were eligible for funding had incurred some basic expenses related to COVID 19. Because of this, all 357 eligible students received some funding even if an application had not been submitted. Funding amounts were determined based upon students’ applications and confirmed Title IV eligibility and ranged from $200 - $1900.

HEERF II and III - Cabarrus College developed different funding opportunities for all students. An email was sent on July 12, 2021 encouraging all students to get vaccinated. Vaccinated students were eligible to receive funding ranging from $1000 to $250 dependent upon enrollment status (full or part-time) and Pell-eligibility. Those who responded early were then eligible for an Early Bird Drawing were $4500 of total funding was distributed.

On July 26th an email was sent to all currently enrolled students, continuing students and incoming students encouraging them to contact the Financial Aid Office if they were having difficulty paying their tuition as they may be eligible for an emergency financial aid grant.

The fall tuition deadline (August 9th) is quickly approaching and some of you may be experiencing difficulty in meeting your tuition balance. If you have faced significant unexpected expenses for you or your family (due to COVID) that has affected your financial circumstances, such as loss of employment, reduced income, or food or housing insecurity, you may be eligible for emergency financial aid grants. You have two courses of action:

1. Please contact (via email) the Director of Financial Aid, Valerie Richard to explain your extenuating circumstances. In your email, please explain the unexpected expenses you have faced that have impacted your financial circumstances and causing you hardship. Mrs. Richard and myself (Dean, Student Affairs) will review your extenuating circumstances and determine if you are eligible for an emergency financial aid grant.
2. Changes to Your Family's Financial Situation
   If you or your family's financial situation has changed significantly from what is reflected on your federal income tax return (for example, if you've lost a job or otherwise experienced a drop in income), you may be eligible to have your financial aid adjusted. Complete the FAFSA questions as instructed on the application (including the transfer of tax return and income information), submit your FAFSA form, then contact the Director of Financial Aid, Valerie Richard to discuss how your current financial situation has changed. Mrs. Richard and myself (Dean, Student Affairs) will review your extenuating circumstances and determine if you are eligible for an emergency financial aid grant.

Please note that the decision of Mrs. Richard and Dean Corsello is final and cannot be appealed. Thank you and we can’t wait to see you in the fall!

CARES Act Protocols & Eligibility Summary

Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Students received emails and information was posted on the College’s website notifying them of the opportunities for emergency financial aid grants. Basic eligibility criteria of FAFSA completion and enrollment were included in these emails, as well as how to inform the college of their request for funding (contacting the financial aid office). Reminder emails were also sent.

*Note: In preparing the 30-day Fund Report, institutions should use data suppression and other methodologies to comply with, and protect the personally identifiable information from student education records, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). For example, the Department does not expect institutions to report information about a group of 10 or fewer students. For example, if the total number of eligible students, the total of number of students who received Emergency Financial Aid Grants, or the difference between the two numbers is less than 10, then the institution should not display the number of students or the amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students on publicly available website(s) controlled by the institution.

Institutions that accurately report the information listed above will meet the initial reporting requirements. For subsequent reports and reporting for other related HEERF programs, the Department will notify participating institutions of the Department’s preferred reporting method. The Department may choose to collect additional information from institutions in accordance with the reporting requirement stated at Section 18(e) of the CARES Act and the Certification and Agreement.

An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the 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.

Date Certification and Agreement Signed: 7/15/2020
On 07/15/2020, the College signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement that assures the institution intends to use no less than 50% ($126,560) of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Date institution received allocation (i.e., GAN dates): 7/24/2020
On July 24, 2020 Cabarrus College received its allocation under Section 18004(a)(1) of CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution's Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students. $126,560 Students portion. $126,560 Intuition portion. Total $253,120.

The 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 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. Total 357.

The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. Total 357.

The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. In accordance with the federal guidelines, students enrolled on March 13, 2020 in a program of study that is NOT a 100% online program and for which credit hours are awarded are eligible to receive these funds.

Cabarrus College developed an application to collect information from students who experienced unexpected expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Funding levels were based on the results of completed applications. The college Administration also determined that all 357 students who were eligible for funding had incurred some basic expenses related to COVID 19. Because of this, all 357 eligible students received some funding even if an application had not been submitted. Funding amounts were determined based upon students’ applications and confirmed Title IV eligibility and ranged from $200 - $1900.

CARES Act Protocols & Eligibility Summary

Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

CARES Notifications to Eligible Students

Students received and initial email on April 24, 2020 notifying them of the opportunity to apply for the CARES funds; information was also posted on the College’s website on this same date. Basic eligibility criteria for the CARES Act funding was included in this email. A reminder email was sent on May 1, 2020 to complete the application process. Students also received an email notifying them of the distribution of the CARES Act Grant funding on July 29th. On August 11, 2020 a notification of disbursement totals was posted on the College’s website.

*Note: In preparing the 30-day Fund Report, institutions should use data suppression and other methodologies to comply with, and protect the personally identifiable information from student education records, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). For example, the Department does not expect institutions to report information about a group of 10 or fewer students. For example, if the total number of eligible students, the total of number of students who received Emergency Financial Aid Grants, or the difference between the two numbers is less than 10, then the institution should not display the number of students or the amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students on publicly available website(s) controlled by the institution.

Institutions that accurately report the information listed above will meet the initial reporting requirements. For subsequent reports and reporting for other related HEERF programs, the Department will notify participating institutions of the Department’s preferred reporting method. The Department may choose to collect additional information from institutions in accordance with the reporting requirement stated at Section 18(e) of the CARES Act and the Certification and Agreement.

Cabarrus College has been awarded funds through the CARES Act by the Department of Education that are intended to provide funding for students whose lives have been disrupted by COVID19. Thus far, the College has disbursed $165,650 to 357 students. The College anticipates receipt of a second round of funds that will be made available to eligible students.

The Department of Education (DOE) has provided colleges with very specific guidelines of eligibility in order to qualify for funding. According to the DOE, students must meet these criteria for eligibility:

1. You must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen to apply.
2. You must have completed a 2020-2021 FAFSA.
3. You must be enrolled in the fall 2020 semester in a program that is not considered fully online. At Cabarrus College this means all programs are eligible except the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging (BSMI) programs, as they are considered online programs. As such students enrolled in these programs are not eligible to apply.

The College has tried to keep the application process simple:

1. Students must complete and submit a brief application survey by September 30, 2020 in order to be considered for funding.
2. Students will be evaluated for funding based on a rubric (point scale) of five factors:
• Expected Family Contribution (as determined from the FAFSA). Those who did not complete a FAFSA for the 2020-20212019-2020 academic year, will be eligible to apply, but will be awarded the lowest points for this category.
• Pell Grant Eligibility – please note that students may be eligible for Pell Grants even if they did not receive a Pell Grant.
• Number of credits taken during the fall 2020 semester.
• Number of currently working adults in the household.
• Number of dependents in the household.

Your current situation/circumstances, as informed by the application, will also be taken into consideration.

Once all applications are received and evaluated, the College will select the student recipients and determine funding levels for each student selected. Submission of the application does not guarantee receipt of funds as the available funding is limited and the number of applicants may be great. Please note, that the College will not be able to disburse the funds until they are received by the Department of Education. Funds will be sent directly to students at their permanent address on file in Sonis; please log into Sonis to ensure your permanent address is correct. Once a check has been issued, we will send an email to your Cabarrus College email address so that you can watch for your funds to arrive.

Again, please complete and submit the application survey by September 30, 2020.

The following information must appear in a format and location that is easily accessible to the public 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation under 18004(a)(1) and updated every 45 days thereafter.

• An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the 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.
• Date Certification and Agreement signed: 7/15/2020
  On 7/15/2020, the College signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement that assures the institution intends to use no less than 50% ($126,560) of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
• Date institution received allocation (i.e., GAN dates): 7/24/2020
  On 7/24/2020, Cabarrus College received its allocation under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
• The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students. $126,560 Students portion. $126,560 Institution portion. Total $253,120.
• The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter). $165,650.
• The 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 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. $165,650.
• The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 357.
• The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. In accordance with the federal guidelines, students enrolled on March 13, 2020 in a program of study that is NOT a 100% online program and for which credit hours are awarded are eligible to receive these funds. Cabarrus College developed an application to collect information from students who experienced unexpected expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Funding levels were based on the results of completed applications. The college Administration also determined that all 357 students who were eligible for funding had incurred some basic expenses related to COVID 19. Because of this, all 357 eligible students received some funding even if an application had not been submitted. Funding amounts were determined based upon students’ applications and confirmed Title IV eligibility and ranged from $200 - $1900.

CARES Act Protocols and Eligibility Summary

Any instructions, directions or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

CARES Notifications to Eligible Students

Students received an initial email on April 24, 2020 notifying them of the opportunity to apply for the CARES funds; information was also posted on the College’s website on this same date. Basic eligibility criteria for the CARES Act funding was included in this email. A reminder email was sent on May 1, 2020 to complete the application process. Students also received an email notifying them of the distribution of the CARES Act Grant funding on July 29, 2020. On August 11, 2020 a notification of disbursement totals was posted on the College’s website.

*Note: In preparing the 30-day Fund Report, institutions should use data suppression and other methodologies to comply with, and protect the personally identifiable information from student education records, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). For example, the Department does not expect institutions to report information about a group of 10 or fewer students. For example, if the total number of eligible students, the total of number of students who received Emergency Financial Aid Grants, or the difference between the two numbers is less than 10, then the institution should not display the number of students or the amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students on publicly available website(s) controlled by the institution.

Institutions that accurately report the information listed above will meet the initial reporting requirements. For subsequent reports and reporting for other related HEERF programs, the Department will notify participating institutions of the Department’s preferred reporting method. The Department may choose to collect additional information from institutions in accordance with the reporting requirement stated at Section 18(e) of the CARES Act and the Certification and Agreement.