Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF)

The following guidelines are approved for use by Lenoir Community College for the disbursement of funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF). These funds were authorized by the

• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020
• Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) was signed into law on December 27, 2020
• American Rescue Plan (ARP), signed into law on March 11, 2021

In each case, LCC signed and returned the Certification and Agreement form, if required, and the institution has used or will use, no less than the minimum required amount of student funds received to provide HEERF grants to students.

Students expressed a significant need for financial assistance to continue enrollment in courses due to the adverse effects of COVID on their livelihood. The assistance was to aid students in their ability to remain in courses without disruption. Additionally, contributions were to help students with loss of income due to reduced work hours or job loss. Students who had dependent children required help with childcare due to school closings.

CARES Act

Student Selection Criteria:

Lenoir Community College selected recipients of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) based on criteria set forth by the CARES Act and the Department of Education. Following these guidelines and utilizing our student information system we were able to compile a list of qualified students. Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to demonstrate eligibility. The Department of Education (DOE) deems the following students ineligible for funding under HEERF:

• Students enrolled exclusively online are ineligible due to DOE Emergency Financial Aid FAQ #12.
• Dually enrolled high school students are ineligible due to DOE Emergency Financial Aid FAQ #9.
• Ineligible non-citizens are ineligible due to Sec 484 of the Higher Education Act(HEA) of 1965.
• Students enrolled in a non-Title IV program are ineligible due to Sec 484 of the Higher Education Act(HEA) of 1965.

Funding Allocation:

Funding based on Spring 2020 enrollment status

Less than ½ Time (1-5 hours) = $150

½ Time (6-8 hours) = $325

¾ Time (9-11 hours) = $500

Full Time (12+ hours) = $675

The remaining funds of $83,468 were distributed to 149 students in the 2020 Fall who completed an application requesting additional funds for electronic devices due to transition to online learning.

CRRSAA

Student Selection Criteria:

Students enrolled in high school, non-citizens, or enrolled in non-Title IV programs were excluded. Awards were based on proof of citizenship, FAFSA completion, and certification of emergency needs through funding request application.

Funding Allocation:

Funding for CRRSAA act distribution was based on enrollment intensity during the 2021 Spring semester. Amounts based on enrollment intensity were awarded as follows.

Less than ½ Time (1-5 hours) = $100

½ Time (6-8 hours) = $250 =

¾ Time (9-11 hours) = $400

Full Time (12+ hours) = $550

ARP

The remaining funds from CRRSAA were rolled into ARP allocation and utilized following all ARP guidelines.

Student Selection Criteria:

Curriculum students enrolled in high school were excluded. Awards were based on FAFSA completion, and certification of emergency needs through funding request application. Continuing Education students were awarded based on certification of emergency needs through funding request application.

Funding Allocation:

Funding for ARP act distribution was based on enrollment intensity during the 2021 Fall and 2022 Spring semesters. Amounts based on enrollment intensity were awarded as follows.

Less than ½ Time (1-5 hours) = $250

½ Time (6-8 hours) = $450

¾ Time (9-11 hours) = $675

Full Time (12-14 hours) = $925

Full Time Plus = $1,300

During the Spring 2022 semester, it was identified that out-of-state students had a greater need and received funding at a higher level. Amounts based on enrollment intensity were awarded as follows.

Less than ½ Time (1-5 hours) = $250

½ Time (6-8 hours) = $450

¾ Time (9-11 hours) = $675

Full Time (12-14 hours) = $925

Full Time Plus = $1,300

During the Summer 2023 semester, it was identified that out-of-state students had a greater need and received funding at a higher level. Amounts based on enrollment intensity were awarded as follows.

6 credits or less = $650

7 or more credits = $1,300