Federal Cares Act Emergency Funding

For students who have experienced financial disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order for Catawba College to distribute funds to students who have experienced the greatest financial impact, we have established a process for eligible students to apply for funds. The Federal Government has determined both the amount of funds Catawba College will receive and student eligibility for funds. According to federal guidelines, only students who are eligible to complete a FAFSA may receive these stimulus funds. 

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Reporting

It is required under Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or the “Act”)), Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (March 27, 2020), that institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act must make public the use of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”). In compliance, the following information is being made public:

Catawba College acknowledges 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.

• The total amount of funds that the institution has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students: $703,577

• 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): As of 12/31/2020, the following has or will be distributed to students:
• $353,675.00 has been distributed to eligible students for $25.00 per credit hour enrolled in the spring 2020 academic semester for reimbursement for increased data demands/access during the COVID-19 pandemic. 947 students received funds under this methodology.
• $279,015.00 has been distributed to eligible residential students for costs associated with relocating off-campus or lost services on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. 627 students received funds under this methodology.
• $27,822.85 has currently been distributed through the Student Emergency Support Fund Application process for additional needs; this form is still available for students to utilize.  53 students have received funds thus far under this methodology.
  
  Total amount distributed is $660,512.85 as of December 31, 2020.
• 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: 952.

• The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act: As of 5/15/2020, the College has processed funds for 952 students via a mailed check or directly deposited into a student’s banking account.
• 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:

Students must be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and have experienced financial disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to federal guidelines, only students who are eligible to complete a FAFSA may receive these stimulus funds.

The College is utilizing the following methodology for disbursement of funds for students eligible in the spring 2020 semester as stated above:

• All eligible students will receive a $25.00 per credit hour reimbursement for increased data demands/access during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Eligible students will receive between $75.00 and $575.00 depending on the number of credit hours enrolled for the spring 2020 semester. 
• All eligible residential students will receive a flat rate of $445.00 reimbursement for costs associated with relocating off-campus or lost services on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• All eligible students can apply for additional financial support through the Student Emergency Support Fund application, students can receive up to $2,750.00 to support students directly impacted by COVID-19.  The application is reviewed by professional College staff members and a determination is made based on need and documentation on whether to distribute funds and at what amount.  If approved, processing typically takes between two to five business days for processing and mailing.