Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the federal government authorized Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) through acts including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP).  Each act included Student Emergency Grants and Institutional Relief funds.  

 

ARP /HEERF III Information

In March 2021 , the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III), was authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP).  Through this act, Western Nevada College has been provided Student Emergency Grant funding to assist qualifying students and institutional related funds to cover any costs associated with the pandemic.  The public might often refer to these funds as CARES III.

ARP/HEERF III Student Emergency Grant Funding

Western Nevada College was awarded a total of $2,533,432 in total ARP/HEERF III.  ARP/HEERF III Student Emergency Grant Funding may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as paying for tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare.

ARP/HEERF III Student Emergency Grant funds were distributed using a target approach, automatically identifying students with exceptional need first.

ARP/HEERF III SUMMER 2021 Awards

Students who met the following eligibility requirements in Summer 2021, did not need to apply for funding and were automatically awarded in July 2021; 

  •         Completed the 2020/2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing WNC’s school code (013896); and had an Official EFC;
  •         Not already be completely withdrawn from the Summer 2021 semester

Students were prioritized based on the demonstration of exceptional need using a tiered approach.

WNC only used the target approach to awarding HEERF III during Summer 2021.

Tier I Awards

  •         Students with demonstrated exceptional need, as determined information derived from the FAFSA and the Student’s EFC, were given priority.
  •         Tier I awards included students with a 2020-2021 Pell Eligible EFC (0-5711).
  •         Award amounts were based on enrollment levels and ranged from $750-$1050.

Tier II Awards

  •         Students with other need, as determined information derived from the FAFSA and the Student’s EFC, were considered in the Tier II review.
  •         Tier II awards included students with a 2020-2021 EFC that is outside of the Pell Eligibility range (5712-10,000).
  •         Award amounts were based on enrollment levels and ranged from $125 - $500.

The college will apply HEERF funds similar to other financial assistance.  The Controller’s Office will process a payment through the general student refund process using the student’s preferred fund delivery method.  Students are encouraged to ensure Direct Deposit Accounts or Mailing Address are up-to-date in the myWNC Student Center.

ARP/HEERF III Emergency Grant funds will not be applied to any outstanding balance students have with the college or be included on on the 1098T tax documentation.

ARP/HEERF III Emergency Grant funds will begin being released via direct deposit and checks July 2021.

ARP/HEERF III Fall 2021/Spring 2022 Awards

Fall 2021: Students who met the following eligibility requirements in Fall 2021, did not need to apply for funding and were automatically awarded beginning in August 2021:

  • Completed the 2021/2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing WNC’s school code (013896); and had an Official EFC;
  • Not already be completely withdrawn from the Fall 2021 semester

Students were prioritized based on the demonstration of exceptional need using a tiered approach.

Spring 2022: Students who met the following eligibility requirements in Spring 2022, did not need to apply for funding. 

  • Completed the 2021/2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing WNC’s school code (013896); and had an Official EFC;
  • Not already be completely withdrawn from the Fall 2021 semester

Students were prioritized based on the demonstration of exceptional need using a tiered approach.

NOTE: Students were prioritized based on the demonstration of exceptional need using a tiered approach until funds were exhausted.

The college allocated a portion of institutional share of ARP/HEERF III funds to help otherwise qualifying students, who demonstrate exceptional need and who were not identified through the automatic awarding process. The Application was open during the Fall 2021 semester and students were required to provide a signed attest.

FALL 2021 - Awarded in August and September 2021

Tier I Awards

  •         Students with demonstrated exceptional need, as determined information derived from the FAFSA and the Student’s EFC, were given priority.
  •         Tier I awards included students with a 2021-2022 Pell Eligible EFC (EFC Range 0-5846).
  •         Award amounts were based on enrollment levels and ranged from $600-$1800

Tier II Awards

  •         Students with other need, as determined information derived from the FAFSA and the Student’s EFC, were considered in the Tier II review.
  •         Tier II awards included students with a 2021-2022 EFC that is outside of the Pell Eligibility range (EFC Range 5846-10,000).
  •         Award amounts were based on enrollment levels and ranged from $600-$1500.

Tier III Awards

  •         Students with other need, as determined information derived from the FAFSA and the Student’s EFC, were considered in the Tier III review.
  •         Tier III awards included students with a 2021-2022 EFC that is outside of the Pell Eligibility range (EFC 10,000 and up).
  •         Award amounts were based on enrollment levels and if the student still demonstrated financial need (Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution = Need). Award amounts ranged from $300-$1200.

SPRING 2022

Tier I Awards – Awarded in January 2022

  •         Students with demonstrated exceptional need, as determined information derived from the FAFSA and the Student’s EFC, were given priority.
  •         Tier I awards included students with a 2021-2022 Pell Eligible EFC (EFC Range 0-5846).
  •         Award amounts were based on enrollment levels and ranged from $600-$1800.

Tier II Awards – Awarded in February 2022.

  •         Students with other need, as determined information derived from the FAFSA and the Student’s EFC, were considered in the Tier II review.
  •         Tier II awards included students with a 2021-2022 EFC that is outside of the Pell Eligibility range (EFC Range 5846-10,000).
  •         Award amounts were based on enrollment levels and ranged from $600-$1500.

The college will apply HEERF funds similar to other financial assistance.  The Controller’s Office will process a payment through the general student refund process using the student’s preferred fund delivery method.  Students are encouraged to ensure Direct Deposit Accounts or Mailing Address are up-to-date in the myWNC Student Center.

ARP/HEERF III Emergency Grant funds will not be applied to any outstanding balance students have with the college or be included on on the 1098T tax documentation.

ARP/HEERF III Emergency Grant funds will begin being released via direct deposit and checks September 2021.

 

ARP/HEERF III Institutional Funding Information

Western Nevada College was awarded a total of $2,349,475 in  ARP/HEERF III  Institutional funds.  This funding allows WNC to provide additional direct student support, purchase instructional equipment, enables distance learning, provides for additional class sections and helps to defray expenses associated with coronavirus including lost revenue.

 

CRRSA/HEERF II Information

In December 2020, Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II), was authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA).  Through this act, Western Nevada College has been provided Student Emergency Grant funding to assist qualifying students and institutional related funds to cover any costs associated with the pandemic.  The public might often refer to these funds as CARES II.

CRRSA/HEERF II Student Emergency Grant Funding

Western Nevada College was awarded a total of $681,735 in total CRRSA/HEERF II.  CRRSA/HEERF II Student Emergency Grant Funding may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as paying for tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare.

CRRSA/HEERF II Student Emergency Grant funds were distributed using a target approach, automatically identifying students with exceptional need first.

Students who met the following eligibility requirements in Spring 2021, did not need to apply for funding and were automatically awarded in March 2021; 

  • Completed the 2020/2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing WNC’s school code (013896); and had an Official EFC confirming U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen;
  • Not already be completely withdrawn from the Spring 2021 semester

Tier I Awards

  • Students with demonstrated exceptional need, as determined information derived from the FAFSA and the Student’s EFC, were given priority.
  • Tier I awards included students with a 2020-2021 Pell Eligible EFC (0-5711).
  • Award amounts are based on enrollment levels.

Tier II Awards

  • Students with other need, as determined information derived from the FAFSA and the Student’s EFC, were considered in the Tier II review.
  • Tier II awards included students with a 2020-2021 EFC that is outside of the Pell Eligibility range (5712-10,000).
  • Award amounts were based on enrollment levels.
  • Awards amounts were less than students in Tier I, who demonstrated exceptional need.

The college has allocated a portion of HEERF II Institutional Funds, to help with additional Student Emergency Grants.  The application for these funds is anticipated to open in April 2021, please check back soon.

Students with a Pell Eligible EFC:

Full Time Student (12+ credits) = $1000
3/4 Time Students (9-11 credits)= $900
1/2 Time Students (6-8 credits) = $800

Students in the Non Pell Eligible EFC range (5712-10000):

Full Time Student (12+ credits) = $450
3/4 Time Students (9-11 credits)= $325
1/2 Time Students (6-8 credits) = $200

The college will apply HEERF funds similar to other financial assistance.  The Controller’s Office will process a payment through the general student refund process using the student’s preferred fund delivery method.  Students are encouraged to ensure Direct Deposit Accounts or Mailing Address are up-to-date in the myWNC Student Center.

CRRSA/HEERF II and CARES/HEERF I Emergency Grant funds will not be applied to any outstanding balance students have with the college or be included on on the 1098T tax documentation.

CRRSA/HEERF II Emergency Grant funds will begin being released via direct deposit and checks March 17, 2021.

 

CRRSA/HEERF II Institutional Funding Information

Western Nevada College was awarded a total of $2,168,465 in  CRRSA/HEERF II  Institutional funds.  This funding allows WNC to defray expenses associated with coronavirus including lost revenue, technology costs associated with distance education, faculty and staff training, payroll, student support activities that address needs related to coronavirus and additional grants to students.

 

CARES/HEERF I  Information

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on March 27th, 2020.   The CARES Act authorized Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF I).  CARES/HEERF I included emergency grant funding to assist qualifying students with expenses related to disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19 and for institutions to use funds to cover any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction.

CARES/HEERF I Student Emergency Grant Funding

Western Nevada College provided the U.S. Department of Education with notification of the intent to award CARES/HEERF I Student Emergency Grant funds through the submission the Certification and Agreement on April 15, 2020.  The college was awarded a total of $681,735 in total CARES/HEERF I Student Emergency Grant funds. CARES/HEERF I Student Emergency Grant funds have been distributed using a hybrid method of automatic qualification and an application process.

The U.S. Department of Education has provided guidance on student eligibility requirements.

Based on the guidance from the US Department of Education, the college has developed a formula to identify students who have had a significant disruption to their education due to the movement of in-person courses to an online format. Additionally, the college is using guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and using the FAFSA to ensure student eligibility for Title IV federal assistance.  Students identified through this process did not need to apply.

Students who meet these eligibility requirements in Spring 2020, did not need to apply for funding and were automatically awarded in May 2020; 

  • Had been enrolled as a degree-seeking student in one or more in-person courses for Spring 2020 semester;
  • Completed the 2019/2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing WNC’s school code (013896);
  • Meet all of the following eligibility requirements to receive Federal Student Aid (referred to as Title IV). These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • You are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen;
    • You have a valid Social Security number;
    • If you are male, you are registered with the Selective Service;
    • You have a high school diploma, GED, or completed high school in an approved homeschool setting;
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements;
  • Completed  your Financial Assistance Checklist and have no outstanding To Do List Items;
  • Not already be completely withdrawn from the Spring 2020 semester;
  • Not be included in one of the following student groups: Apprenticeships, Prison Groups, JumpStart/High School Dual Enrollment, Winter Session Only, Faculty/Staff or their dependent using Grant in Aid.

 

Students who meet these eligibility requirements in Fall 2020, did not need to apply for funding and were automatically awarded in September 2020; 

  • Had been enrolled as a degree-seeking student in one or more in-person courses for Fall 2020 semester and had the instruction mode in one or more courses changed due to the pandemic;
  • Completed the 2020/2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing WNC’s school code (013896);
  • Meet all of the following eligibility requirements to receive Federal Student Aid (referred to as Title IV). These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • You are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen;
    • You have a valid Social Security number;
    • If you are male, you are registered with the Selective Service;
    • You have a high school diploma, GED, or completed high school in an approved homeschool setting;
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements;
  • Completed  your Financial Assistance Checklist and have no outstanding To Do List Items;
  • Not already be completely withdrawn from the Fall 2020 semester;
  • Not be included in one of the following student groups: Apprenticeships, Prison Groups, JumpStart/High School Dual Enrollment, Winter Session Only, Faculty/Staff or their dependent using Grant in Aid.

The college allocated a portion of CARES/HEERF I funds to help otherwise qualifying students who are not identified through the automatic awarding process. To be eligible, students must have met the following criteria:

  • Had been enrolled as a degree-seeking student in one or more in-person courses for Spring 2020 semester;
  • Completed the 2019/2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing WNC’s school code (013896);
  • Meet all eligibility requirements to receive Federal Student Aid (Title IV, HEA);
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements;
  • Complete Financial Assistance Checklist and have no outstanding To Do List Items;

Students who were not identified as part of the formula, need to apply through the CARES Act Emergency Grant Application. The application opened May 4, 2020 and closed September 28, 2020.

Award amounts will vary based on Enrollment Level and Estimated Family Contribution.  Award amounts begin at $100 and are capped at $1000.

The college will apply HEERF funds similar to other financial assistance.  The Controller’s Office will process a payment through the general student refund process using the student’s preferred fund delivery method.  Students are encouraged to ensure Direct Deposit Accounts or Mailing Address are up-to-date in the myWNC Student Center.

CRRSA/HEERF II and CARES/HEERF I Emergency Grant funds will not be applied to any outstanding balance students have with the college or be included on on the 1098T tax documentation.

CARES/HEERF I Student Emergency Grant funds were released via direct deposit and checks, starting May 6, 2020 for Spring 2020.

CARES/HEERF I Student Emergency Grant funds were released via direct deposit and checks, starting September 29, 2020 for Fall 2020.

 

CARES/HEERF I Institutional Funding Information

Western Nevada College subsequently provided the U.S. Department of Education with a second Certification and Agreement and was awarded a total of $681,734 in CARES Act Institutional funds.  This funding allows WNC to expand our remote programs, build our IT capacity and train faculty and staff to operate effectively in a remote learning environment.

Lastly, on June 3, 2020, WNC was awarded $88,119 from the CARES Act – Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions allocation under Section 18002(a)(2).  A second allocation was awarded under the new legislation for an additional $159,583 and a final allocation of $264,417 was awarded thereafter.  This funding may be utilized for student grants and to defray institutional expenses, which may include lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, technology costs associated with the transition to distance education, faculty and staff training, and payroll.  WNC expended this funding on instructional expenditures.

 

CARES Student Loan Relief Questions

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on March 27th, 2020.   The CARES Act also includes relief for federal student loan borrowers.   Learn more about the relief options available to you at the links below.

Federal Student Aid Coronavirus Forbearance information for Students and Parent

Student Connection Video on Coronavirus Forbearance Options

 

Reporting Requirements

 

 Student Emergency Grant Funds Distribution

  HEERF III HEERF II  HEERF I

Total  Funds Available

 $2,533,432

$681, 735

$681, 735

Total  Distributed 

$2,533,432 (as 2/2022)

$681, 735 (as of 3/2021)

$681, 735 (as of 9/2020)

Total Eligible Students

4616

4616

1,846

Total Number of Student Awarded Automatically

 1257 770

1078

Total Number of Student Awarded through Application

 73 N/A 27
Awarding Method Awarding methodology is referenced in the Qualification Methods
Instructions/Notification to Students:

HEERF III Funding Notification

HEERF II Funding Notification

Press Release – May 1, 2020

Student Award Letter Example – May 3, 2020

Wildcat Happenings Newsletter – May 4, 2020

KOLO News Channel 8  Story – May 5, 2020

Carson Now Article – May 6, 2020

Note: Information reported above is in compliance with U.S. Department of Education guidance provided on May 6, 2020.

 

Institutional Funds

  HEERF III (ARP) HEERF II (CRRSA) HEERF I (CARES) HEERF I (CARES)- Developing HSI
Certification and Agreement Submission Date 5/8/2020 5/8/2020

5/8/2020

 6/3/2020
Award Amount

$2,349,475

 $2,168,465

$681,734

$88,119

$159,583 (second allocation)

$ 264,417 (third allocation)
Expenditures to Date (as of 3/31/2023)

$2,349,475

$2,168,465

$681,734

$512,119.00

 

CARES/HEERF Quarterly Fund Usage Reports

2023 2022 2021 2020

 

 

Website information updated on the following dates:

  • January 9, 2023
  • January 10, 2023
  • April 10, 2023
  • January 10, 2022
  • April 12, 2022
  • July 11, 2022
  • October 14, 2022
  • January 11, 2021
  • March 12, 2021
  • March 18, 2021
  • April 6, 2021
  • July 9, 2021
  • October 6, 2021
  • May 8, 2020
  • June 8, 2020
  • July 8, 2020
  • August 6, 2020
  • September 28, 2020
  • October 22, 2020

 

Questions

WNC’s Financial Assistance Office can help answer questions related to the HEERF Student Emergency Grants.  Please contact the office at finaid1@wnc.edu.

WNC’s Controller’s Office can help answer questions related to the HEERF Institutional Funds.  Please contact the office at cashier@wnc.edu.