Juniata College Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students Fund Reporting

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provides emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” This report provides details on the first award Juniata College received under the HEERF, the funds for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

CERTIFICATION
Juniata College signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement on April 20, 2020. Juniata College will 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.

AWARD

Juniata College will receive a total of $1,082,356 under Section 18004(a)(1) of the HEERF. At least $541,178 will be distributed directly to students impacted by campus disruptions due to the Coronavirus. These funds being from the Department of Education and pursuant to our Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

FUNDS DISTRIBUTED
As of 1/15/21, Juniata College has distributed $541,178 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Juniata College has an estimate of 1187 students 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. As of 1/15/21, Juniata College distributed Emergency Financial Aid Grants to 1103 students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

METHOD USED TO DETERMINE STUDENTS ELIGIBILITY

Tiers representing students Expected Family Contribution (EFC) are used to determine how much funds students are to receive. Below are the tiers with the amounts. Tier 1-4 were awarded in a batch process and students did not have to apply with an application.

Students who did not complete a FAFSA in 2019-20 but could have, can appeal to receive the grant by sending an email to financialplanning@juniata.edu. The appeal will then be reviewed by the Director or Assistant Director of Student Financial Planning for approval or denial. Students must provide a written explanation of expenses under a student’s cost of attendance related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19 such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care expenses.  Appeals will be awarded $200 if approved.

INSTRUCTIONS/DIRECTIONS GIVEN TO STUDENTS
An email was sent to students on 5/13/20 that included instructions, directions and guidance regarding the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

FUNDS SPENT TO DATE: