HEERF Act Reporting
HEERF III Funding
In August 2021, West Virginia University received $27,271,733 in HEERF III funding was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. This money is to be distributed to students in the form of emergency grants during the 2021-2022 academic year. As of December 31, 2021, $11,888,375 had been distributed to 14,077 students for the fall semester. As of March 31, 2022, $15,335,625 had been distributed to 12,114 students for the spring semester. As of March 31, 2022, $27,224,000 had been awarded to 15,088 students over fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters. As of June 30, 2022, $27,271,733 had been awarded to 15,178 students over the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters.
Communications to Students
On August 9, 2021, students were notified via a campus-wide announcement of the University’s plan to distribute ARPA Emergency Grants to students beginning in the fall semester. This announcement clearly outlined eligibility requirements, noted that eligible students would be awarded based on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the 2021-2022 FAFSA, included a link to Frequently Asked Questions, and notified students that they may still submit a 2021-2022 FAFSA for priority consideration by August 20, 2021 if they had not already done so. Students were also notified in this announcement that they had the ability to complete a Family Contribution Appeal by August 20, 2021 if they felt that their EFC no longer accurately reflected their household’s financial situation. In addition, 553 non-sponsored international students received an email communication stating that they may be eligible for the grant and directing them to complete an online application for consideration. In late October 2021, the University expanded eligibility to include students who met all other criteria but were attending less than half-time. Students who were awarded due to this eligibility expansion received an email letting them know a grant had been posted to their account.
On January 18, 2022, students were reminded via a campus-wide announcement of the continuation of ARPA Emergency Grants into the spring semester. This announcement clearly outlined eligibility requirements, noted again that eligible students would be awarded based on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the 2021-2022 FAFSA, included a link to Frequently Asked Questions, and notified students that they may still submit a 2021-2022 FAFSA for consideration by January 26, 2022 if they had not already done so. Students were also notified in this announcement that they had the ability to complete a Family Contribution Appeal by January 26, 2022 if they felt that their EFC no longer accurately reflected their household’s financial situation. In February, the University expanded eligibility to include students who met all other criteria but were attending less than half-time. Students who were awarded due to this eligibility expansion received an email letting them know a grant had been posted to their account.
Distribution Process
The University estimates that 18,620 students enrolled in fall 2021 courses may have met the general eligibility guidelines for an ARPA Emergency Grant. These students:
- Submitted a 2021-2022 FAFSA by August 20, 2021
- Were pursuing an eligible degree program at least half-time
- Had a valid Expected Family Contribution as determined by the FAFSA
In order to prioritize students with the greatest financial need, students were awarded based on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the 2021-2022 FAFSA. Non-sponsored international students’ eligibility was evaluated by an online application process.
- Eligible fall 2021 recipients of the Federal Pell Grant with an EFC of zero received $1,500
- Eligible fall 2021 recipients of the Federal Pell Grant with an EFC greater than zero received $1,000
- Eligible non-Pell-recipients with an EFC of zero to $10,000 received $750
- Eligible non-Pell-recipients with an EFC of $10,001 to $20,000 received $500
- Eligible non-sponsored international students received $500
In late October 2021, WVU expanded eligibility to award students who met previously outlined criteria but were enrolled less than half-time.
- Eligible recipients of the Federal Pell Grant with an EFC of zero who were enrolled less than half-time received $750
- Eligible recipients of the Federal Pell Grant with an EFC greater than zero who were enrolled less than half-time received $500
- Eligible non-Pell recipients with an EFC of zero to $10,000 who were enrolled less than half-time received $375
- Eligible non-Pell recipients with an EFC of $10,001 to $25,000 who were enrolled less than half-time received $250
Through December 31, 2021, $11,888,375 had been distributed to 14,077 students in the form of Fall 2021 Emergency Grants.
The University estimates that 18,990 students enrolled in
- Submitted a 2021-2022 FAFSA by January 26, 2022
- Were pursuing an eligible degree program at least half-time
- Had a valid Expected Family Contribution as determined by the FAFSA
In order to prioritize students with the greatest financial need, students were awarded based on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the 2021-2022 FAFSA.
- Eligible spring 2022 recipients of the Federal Pell Grant with an EFC of zero received $1,500
- Eligible spring 2022 recipients of the Federal Pell Grant with an EFC greater than zero received $1,000
- Eligible non-Pell-recipients with an EFC of zero to $10,000 received $750
- Eligible non-Pell-recipients with an EFC of $10,001 to $20,000 received $500
In February 2022, WVU expanded eligibility to award students who met previously outlined criteria but were enrolled less than half-time.
- Eligible recipients of the Federal Pell Grant with an EFC of zero who were enrolled less than half-time received $750
- Eligible recipients of the Federal Pell Grant with an EFC greater than zero who were enrolled less than half-time received $500
- Eligible non-Pell recipients with an EFC of zero to $10,000 who were enrolled less than half-time received $375
- Eligible non-Pell recipients with an EFC of $10,001 to $20,000 who were enrolled less than half-time received $250
Through March 31, 2022, $15,335,625 had been distributed to 12,114 students in the form of Spring 2022 Emergency Grants.
Through June 30, $15,383,358 had been distributed to 12,206 students in the form of Spring 2022 Emergency Grants.
In total, $27,271,733 was distributed to 15,178 students in the form of grants over the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters.
HEERF II Funding
In January 2021, West Virginia University received $10,087,116 in HEERF II CRRSAA funding to be distributed to students. As of May 6, 2021, the full allocation of $10,087,116 had been distributed to students in the form of Spring 2021 CRRSAA Emergency Grants.
Communications to Students
On January 28, 2021, students were notified via a campus-wide announcement of the University’s plan to distribute Spring 2021 CRRSAA Emergency Grants to spring 2021 recipients of the Federal Pell Grant who were attending full-time. This announcement clearly outlined eligibility requirements and notified students that they may still submit a 2020-2021 FAFSA for consideration by February 5, 2021 if they had not already done so.
On March 1, 2021, the University announced it would continue to award grants to non-Pell recipients who met all previously established eligibility requirements and had EFCs up to $20,000, as funding allowed. This announcement noted that students whose financial situations had been negatively impacted since submitting their 2020-2021 FAFSA could submit a Family Contribution Appeal by March 8, 2021 in order to potentially update their EFC.
Both of these announcements directed students to a consistently-updated Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
In late March 2021, the University began awarding students who met all previously established eligibility criteria but were attending less than half-time. These students received an email to their MIX email address if a grant posted to their account.
In early May 2021, the University began awarding students who met all previously established eligibility criteria and had an EFC of $20,001 to $28,225. These students received an email to their MIX email address if a grant posted to their account.
Students who owed a balance at the time they were awarded the grant also received a communication asking them to indicate if they would prefer to receive the cash value of the grant directly or have it applied toward their balance.
Distribution Process
The University estimates that 19,236 students enrolled in spring 2021 courses may have met the general eligibility guidelines for a CRRSAA Emergency Grant. These students:
- Submitted a 2020-2021 FAFSA by February 5, 2021 and were generally Title IV eligible
- Were pursuing an eligible degree program
- Had a valid Expected Family Contribution as determined by the FAFSA
In order to prioritize students with the greatest financial need, students who were spring 2021 recipients of Federal Pell Grant were awarded in the first phase of grants. In the next phases of grants, students were awarded on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the 2020-2021 FAFSA.
- Spring 2021 recipients of the Pell Grant who were enrolled at least half-time received $1,000
- Non-Pell-recipients enrolled at least half-time with an EFC of zero to $10,000 received $750
- Non-Pell-recipients enrolled at least half-time with an EFC of $10,001 to $20,000 received $500
- Non-Pell-recipients enrolled at least half-time with an EFC of $20,001 to $28,255 received $250
- Spring 2021 recipients of the Pell Grant who were enrolled less than half-time received $500
- Non-Pell-recipients enrolled less than half-time with an EFC of zero to $10,000 received $375
- Non-Pell-recipients enrolled less than half-time with an EFC of $10,001 to $20,000 received $250
- Non-Pell-recipients enrolled less than half-time with an EFC of $20,001 to $28,255 received $125
In total, the $10,087,116 in funding was distributed to 14,112 students in the form of Spring 2021 Emergency Grants by May 6, 2021.
HEERF I Funding
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, West Virginia University received emergency funding from the federal government under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
On April 13, 2020, the University signed and returned the first certification and agreement form for $10,087,116 in CARES Act funding for Emergency Financial Aid Grants directly to students. These funds were received by the University on April 22. Additionally, on April 21, 2020, the University signed and returned the second certification and agreement form for another $10,087,116 in CARES Act funding. These funds were received on May 5 and will be used to cover institutional expenses associated with campus disruption from COVID-19. The University was awarded a total allotment of $20,174,232, and no less than 50 percent of the total funds received are to be used to provide emergency grants directly to students.
As of May 14, 2020, $6,718,000 of the $10,087,116 had been awarded to spring students in the form of CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
As of June 29, 2020, $6,847,000 had been awarded to spring students and $674,625 had been awarded to summer students in the form of CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
As of August 7, 2020, $6,856,125 had been awarded to spring students and $3,085,500 has been awarded to summer students in the form of CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
As of September 30, $6,856,125 had been awarded to spring students and $3,230,991 had been awarded to summer students in the form of CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
As of September 30, all $10,087,116 received by the University in CARES Act funding had been awarded to students in the form of CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
West Virginia University estimates that 18,085 students enrolled in Spring 2020 courses and 3,759 students enrolled in Summer 2020 courses were eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV and thus may have met the general eligibility guidelines for a CARES Act Emergency Grant. These students:
- Filed a 2019-2020 FAFSA and were generally Title IV eligible.
- Were pursuing an eligible degree or non-degree program (excluding online-only programs).
- Met Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
- Did not withdraw from classes before March 13.
- Were enrolled at least half-time.
As of May 14, 2020, West Virginia University had awarded 8,003 Spring 2020 CARES Act Grants to eligible students who applied.
As of June 29, 2020, West Virginia University had awarded 8,143 Spring 2020 CARES Act Emergency Grants and 843 Summer 2020 CARES Act Emergency Grants to eligible students who applied.
As of August 7, 2020, West Virginia University had awarded 8,171 Spring 2020 CARES Act Emergency Grants, 2,457 Summer 2020 CARES Act Emergency Grants to students who submitted an application, and 307 Summer 2020 CARES Act Emergency Grants to students who did not submit an application.
As of September 30, 2020, West Virginia University had awarded 8,186 Spring 2020 CARES Act Emergency Grants, 2,454 Summer 2020 CARES Act Emergency Grants to students who submitted an application, and 421 Summer 2020 CARES Act Emergency Grants to students who did not submit an application.
As of September 30, 2020, West Virginia University had awarded a total of 11,061 CARES Act Grants to 9,075 eligible students.
As of April 2021, there are no additional changes to the University’s CARES Act figures
as all funds have been expended.
Communications to Students
To distribute this money to students as grants as efficiently as possible, the University utilized an online application process for the spring that opened on April 21. The application process was communicated to students via an email to their MIX accounts from Dean of Students Corey Farris, and notifications were also sent via press releases, the WVU website, and social media.
On April 28, students were notified that the University had received additional guidance from the Department of Education, and that students must meet Title IV financial aid requirements in order to be eligible for the CARES Act Emergency Grant. The University communicated that students who did not have a valid 2019-2020 FAFSA on file to determine Title IV eligibility could still complete one if they wished to be considered for the grant, and that students who had already applied for the grant did not need to resubmit an application.
On May 5, students were notified via their MIX email account that May 8 at 4:45 p.m. was the deadline to apply for the CARES Act Emergency Grant, and also the deadline to submit a 2019-2020 FAFSA if they wished to be considered.
On May 20, it was announced to students that students enrolled in Summer 2020 courses were also able to apply for the summer rounds of CARES Act Emergency Grants. Students were told via MIX email and WVU Today that summer grants would utilize an application process just as the spring grants did, and all requirements, including FAFSA and Title IV eligibility, remained the same. The University decided to review summer students in two rounds — one for those eligible by May 28, and one for those eligible by June 30 — to ensure that those who are attending part-of-term summer courses are considered. The application for the first round of summer grants opened on May 20 and closed May 28 at 5 p.m. The application for the second round of grants opened June 22 and closed June 30 at 5 p.m.
Application Review Process
The University determined that during Spring 2020, Pell-eligible applicants who qualified for the grant would receive $1,000, and non-Pell-eligible applicants who qualified for the grant would receive $750.
The University initially determined that during Summer 2020, Pell-eligible applicants who qualified for the grant would receive $500, and non-Pell-eligible applicants who qualified for the grant would receive $375. These amounts were later increased to match Spring 2020 amounts — $1,000 for qualifying Pell-eligible applicants and $750 for qualifying non-Pell-eligible applicants. Affected students were alerted to the change in grant amount via text on June 18.
Grant awards were set based upon analysis of average student monthly expenses including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as course materials, technology, health care, childcare, food, and housing, with additional funds added for Pell eligible students who may have a greater financial need.
The University reviewed spring and summer applications as follows:
- Applicants were screened for enrollment in programs that were exclusively online prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. As outlined by the U.S. Department of Education, these students were found to be ineligible for the CARES Act funds. Students were notified via MIX email if this was the case.
- Applicants were screened for a current, valid FAFSA on file to ensure Title IV eligibility.
- Applicants determined to have an invalid FAFSA on file were denied, and the University sent them an email with instructions on how to correct the issue.
- Applicants determined to have no FAFSA on file were denied, and the University sent them an email with instructions on how to complete a FAFSA so they would be considered.
- Applicants determined to be ineligible for Title IV financial aid based on a current, valid FAFSA and/or other WVU records were denied, and the University sent them an email detailing the reasons for their ineligibility.
- Remaining applications were reviewed by WVU staff to ensure compliance to Emergency CARES Act Grant funding requirements as detailed in Department of Education guidelines.
- Grants were processed and refunds were generated beginning April 23. Awards were made on a rolling basis through June 19 for spring and through August 6 for summer.
- In July, officials at West Virginia University made the decision to expand grants to students who were enrolled less than half-time in courses, submitted an application, and met all other eligibility criteria.
- In late July, officials at West Virginia University made the decision to award CARES grants to as many remaining students from the current academic year as possible. Students enrolled in courses during the summer, including those who had not submitted an application, were reviewed to determine eligibility for CARES Act funds. All other requirements including Title IV eligibility remained the same. This resulted in 307 additional students being awarded July 31, and affected students were notified via email the same day.
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act Section 18004(a)(1)
Institutional Portion
In compliance with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act), West Virginia University must share a budget and expenditure report each quarter.
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under HEERF II Section 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion
In compliance with the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSAA Act), West Virginia University must share a budget and expenditure report each quarter.
- Report for the Quarter Ending December 31, 2020
- Report for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2021
- Report for the Quarter Ending June 30, 2021
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under HEERF III Section 18004(a)(1) Institutional
Portion
In compliance with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) West Virginia University must share a budget and expenditure report each quarter.
Final HEERF Report, July 2022
- 00382700 HEERF Q22022 070822 (FINAL REPORT)