HIGHER EDUCATION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND REPORTING: EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID GRANTS TO STUDENTS

University of New England

CARES Act Student Reporting (HEERF I)

Overview

University of New England 30-Day Fund Report Overview: 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), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the Secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”).

On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education posted their reporting requirements for HEERF participating institutions.

Each HEERF participating institution is responsible for providing this information in report format (the “30-day Fund Report”). In addition, these participating institutions are required to post the information listed below on the institution’s primary website. Accordingly, the following information will be easily accessible to the public and made available 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation under 18004(a)(1) and updated every 45 days thereafter. The Department of Education subsequently changed the “every 45 days” to “no later than 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter” for reporting on the organization’s website.

The University of New England (UNE) hereby addresses the detailed accounting of the use and expenditure of the funds for the “30-day Fund Report” and each required reporting period thereafter:
 

  1. An acknowledgment 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.

    UNE Response: UNE completed and submitted the Funding Certification Agreement on Friday, April 15, 2020. The University of New England (UNE) does acknowledge that it signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, funds received under CARES, with the Grant Award Notification dated April 22, 2020, to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. A team was established from financial aid, student affairs, and finance and administration in order to deliver 50% of the funding to students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  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.

    UNE Response: UNE received $682,916 in funding to be distributed among its applicants.

  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).

    UNE Response: No funding was given to students at the initial 30-day reporting period.

    UNE Response: Reference item 5 below for the amount distributed at each reporting period.

  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.

    UNE Response: We anticipate up to 5,254 Title IV eligible students are able to participate in the CARES emergency grant program.

  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.

    UNE Response: On May 18, 2020, UNE awarded $432,500 to 865 students in emergency Financial Aid Grant from the CARES Act Funds program.

    UNE Response: As of June 26, 2020, UNE has awarded $622,000 to 1,244 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from the CARES Act Funds program,

    UNE Response: As of August 10, 2020, UNE has awarded $622,000 to 1,244 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from the CARES Act Funds program. We are in the process of determining final grants which will be awarded in the fall of 2020 on a case-by-case basis until funds are exhausted.

    UNE Response: As of September 30, 2020, UNE has awarded $622,000 to 1,244 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from the CARES Act Funds program. We are in the process of determining final grants which will be awarded in the fall of 2020 on a case-by-case basis until funds are exhausted.

    UNE Response: As of December 31, 2020, UNE has awarded $625,500 to 1,246 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from the CARES Act Funds program. During the quarter ended December 31, 2020 $3,500 was expended. We are in the process of determining final grants which will be awarded in the spring of 2021 on a case-by-case basis until the funds are exhausted.

    UNE Response: As of March 31, 2021, UNE has awarded $682,916 to 1,268 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from the CARES Act Funds program. During the quarter ended March 31, 2021 $57,416 was expended.


    We have expended our full allocation of CARES funds.

  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.

    UNE Response: We are using an application process for students to apply for the funding. Students are required to complete an application and specifically cite the emergency financial need and extenuating factors causing hardship.

    UNE has determined to spread the funding to as many students as possible as quickly as possible; therefore, a $500 emergency CARES Act payment was sent to students deemed eligible in accordance with CARES Act guidelines that submitted an application.

    UNE continued to work with students in hardship situations and award funding on a case-by-case basis until funds were exhausted.

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

    UNE Response: We have sent emails to students to encourage them to apply for the CARES Grant funding. The instructions are straight forward and students are able to access the application from UNE website. We provided detailed instructions and FAQ information on CARES Act Funds. In addition, we also posted information to University COVID-19 Alerts.

CRRSAA Student Reporting (HEERF II)

The University of New England received funds under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (“CRRSAA”) for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) for grants to students.

The following information is provided to report how these funds have been used.

  1. An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

    UNE Response: The University of New England (UNE) does acknowledges that it accepted the Grant Award Notification issued by the Department on January 19, 2021 and the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, funds received under CRRSAA to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
  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 under the CRRSAA (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

    UNE Response: The University has been awarded $682,916 from the Department of Education for CRRSAA HEERF II emergency financial aid grants for students.

  3. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under the ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the initial report and every calendar quarter thereafter).

    UNE Response: Reference item 5 below for the amount distributed at each reporting period.

  4. The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

    CRRSAA requires the University to prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants in the awarding of HEERF II grants to students. However, the University is not required to only provide HEERF II funds only to Pell recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants.

    As of June 30, 2021, UNE enrolled 4,638 students title IV-eligible students as indicated by FAFSA filings. All of these students are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 314 (a)(1) of CRRSAA.

  5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

    UNE Response: As of June 30, 2021, UNE has awarded $669,750 to 827 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from CRRSAA HEERF II program. During the quarter ending June 30, 2021, $669,750 was expended.

    UNE Response: As of September 30, 2021, UNE has awarded $671,450 to 827 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from the CRRSAA HEERF II program. During the quarter ending September 30, 2021, no additional funds was expended.

    UNE Response: As of December 31, 2021, UNE has awarded $682,916 to 830 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from the CRRSAA HEERF II program. During the quarter ending December 31, 2021 $11,466 additional funds was expended to 7 of students.

    We have expended our full allocation of HEERF II funds.

  6. The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under the CRRSAA (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

    UNE Response: UNE awarded CRRSAA HEERF II Emergency Financial Aid Grants based on exceptional financial need to undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time in the spring of 2021 and had filed a FAFSA. Students with high financial need as determined by their Expected Financial Contribution (EFC), the number calculated by information provided on the FAFSA, were considered for grants. Specifically, students with and EFC of 5,711 or less Received $1,000 or $500 depending on enrollment level. Students with an EFC between 5,712 - 12,000 received $500 or $250 depending on enrollment level.

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

    UNE Response: UNE sent communications to undergraduate students who received awards. Students are encouraged to visit the student financial services website for an overview of information about the CRRSAA HEERF II Act grants to students, as well as other financial relief related to COVID-19.

ARP Student Reporting (HEERF III)

The University of New England received funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARP”) for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III) for grants to students.

The following information is provided to report how these funds have been used.

  1. An acknowledgment that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

    UNE Response: The University of New England (UNE) does acknowledge that it accepted the Grant Award Notification issued by the Department on May 24, 2021 and the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, funds received under ARP HEERF III to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
  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 under the ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

    UNE Response: The University has been awarded $2,693,367 in HEERF III funds under ARP (American Rescue Plan) from the Department of Education to be used to support students impacted by the pandemic.

  3. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under the ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the initial report and every calendar quarter thereafter).

    UNE Response: Reference item 5 below for the amount distributed at each reporting period.

  4. The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

    UNE Response: ARP HEERF III requires the University to prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants in the awarding of HEERF III grants to students. However, the University is not required to only provide HEERF III funds only to Pell recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants. In addition, students are not required to be Title IV eligible nor are they required to file a FAFSA.

    As of June 30, 2021, UNE enrolled 5,103 students title IV-eligible students as indicated by FAFSA filings eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under ARP HEERF III.

  5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

    UNE Response: As of June 30, 2021, UNE did not expend ARP HEERF III funds to students.

    UNE Response: As of September 30, 2021, UNE has awarded $142,500 to 95 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from the ARP HEERF III program. During the quarter ending September 30, 2021, $142,500 was expended.

    UNE Response: As of December 31, 2021, UNE has awarded $1,197,034 to 941 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from the ARP HEERF III program. During the quarter ending December 31, 2021, $1,057,284 was expended to 938 of students.

    UNE Response: As of March 31, 2022, UNE has awarded $1,198,034 to 942 students in emergency Financial Aid Grants from the ARP HEERF III program. During the quarter ending March 31, 2022, $1,000 was expended to 1 of student.

  6. The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under the ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

    UNE Response: For the quarter ending September 30, 2021, UNE awarded ARP HEERF II Emergency Financial Aid Grants based on exceptional financial need to undergraduate students enrolled full-time with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0. These students received an award of $1,500.

    UNE Response: For the quarter ending December 31, 2021, UNE awarded ARP HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants based on financial need and enrollment status to undergraduate students. Previously awarded full-time students with a $0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC) received an additional $250 bringing their HEERF III total to $1,750. New funding awards were made prioritizing students based on their EFC and enrollment status. UNE used the following criteria in awarding HEERF III funds:

    EFC of $0–$5,846 enrolled full-time received $1,750 FT; part-time received $875
    EFC of $5,847–$12,000 enrolled full-time received $1,000 FT; part-time received $500
    EFC of $12,001–$16,000 enrolled full-time received $500; part-time received $250

     

    UNE Response: For the quarter ending March 31, 2022, UNE awarded ARP HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants based on financial need and enrollment status to undergraduate students. Previously awarded full-time students with a $0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC) received an additional $250 bringing their HEERF III total to $1,750. New funding awards were made prioritizing students based on their EFC and enrollment status. UNE used the following criteria in awarding HEERF III funds:

    EFC of $0–$5,846 enrolled full-time received $1,750 FT; part-time received $875
    EFC of $5,847–$12,000 enrolled full-time received $1,000 FT; part-time received $500
    EFC of $12,001–$16,000 enrolled full-time received $500; part-time received $250

  7. Any instructions, directions or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants. UNE sent communications to undergraduate students who received awards

    UNE Response: UNE sent communications to students who received awards. Students are encouraged to visit the student financial services website for an overview of information about the ARP HEERF III Act grants to students, as well as other financial relief related to COVID-19.

HIGHER EDUCATION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND REPORTING: EMERGENCY GRANTS TO INSTITUTIONS

University of New England “Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting”

Overview

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), Public Law 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (signed into law on March 27, 2020), authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Education (“Secretary”) to allocate an institutional portion for organizations to cover any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. Subsequently referred to as HEERF I.

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (“CRRSAA”), Public Law 116-260(signed into law on December 27, 2020), provides additional institutional grants for organizations to assist with expenses and lost revenue associated with the coronavirus pandemic. Referred to as HEERF II.

The American Rescue Plan Act (“ARP”), Public Law 117-2 (signed into law on March 11, 2021), provides additional institutional grants for organizations to assist with expenses and lost revenue associated with the coronavirus pandemic. Referred to as HEERF III.

UNE will comply with all reporting requirements of the institutional HEEFR grants as the Secretary may require.



The required institutional reporting is a posting to the UNE website of the “Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting as follows: