CARES Act - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Information

School of Nursing receives federal funding

The Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing applied for CARES Act: Higher Education Relief Funds (HEERF) from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The total amount received from the DOE was ($82,249). No less than 50% ($41,125) must be used for Emergency Grants to Students. These funds are being provided by the federal government to directly support students facing urgent financial needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its disruption of campus operations. All Eligible students (63) have been notified about the availability of the program.

On April 27, 2020, the School of Nursing signed and returned its certification and agreement with the DOE, providing assurance that the institution will use no less than 50 percent of its total funds for Emergency Grants to students. Federal guidelines require that the School of Nursing disburse the funds to students who are eligible for Title IV financial aid programs. To be eligible for the School of Nursing's first wave of CARES Act funding distribution, students must have been enrolled in the spring 2020 term, completed a survey that indicated that they self-identify having experienced or are experiencing some type of additional expense related to the disruption of campus operations and transition to on-line education as a result of the coronavirus crisis, and they are eligible for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2019-2020 academic year.

On May 5, 2020, the School of Nursing received notice that the HEERF emergency student funds grant of $41,125 was approved and ready for drawdown in the G5 system. These funds were drawn down on July 15, 2020.

As of 7/31/20, the School of Nursing provided awards to students who are Title IV eligible, as follows:

• Sixty-two students enrolled for the spring term 2020 received $664 each.

Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing students interested in receiving this support must “self-certify” that they incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations caused by the COVID-19 crisis. An online certification survey was emailed directly to all second and third year students.

On May 7, 2020, the School of Nursing received notice that the second part of the HEERF institutional portion grant of $41,124 was approved and ready for drawdown in the G5 system. These funds were drawn down on July 15, 2020.

On July 31, 2020, sixty-two students received an additional $100 which consists of $75 nursing skills lab fee refund and $25 activity fee refund from the institutional portion of the HEERF funds. In August, 2020, the School used $10,688.58 for purchase of additional tables and chairs for the classroom in order to promote social distancing and proper sanitizing. This was made available from the School's institutional share of the funds. Additional spending is noted in the reporting tables on this page.

This program is supported entirely by federal funds.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020.  As a result of the additional federal funding, the US Department of Education awarded the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing $107,659 on January 14, 2021.  Per requirements, $41,125 will be distributed in the form of direct aid to students, with $66,534 allocated as the institutional portion of the funding. 

Click on the link to see the Virtual Ribbon Cutting on the expanded Simulation Center which was the direct result of the HEERF allocation.

As of 4/2/2021, the School of Nursing provided awards to 57 students who are Title IV eligible. The awards were prioritized according to students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. Awards were distributed as follows:

26 Pell Grant recipients received $850.00
30 non-Pell Grant recipients received $630.00
1 part-time student received $125.00
This program is supported entirely by federal funds.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021.  As a result of the additional federal funding, the US Department of Education awarded the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing $188,938 on May 12, 2021.  Per requirements, $94,469 will be distributed in the form of direct aid to students, with $94,469 allocated as the institutional portion of the funding.

On July 28, 2021, the School of Nursing provided one award of $469.00 to a student with exceptional need.

On September 15, the School of Nursing provided awards to 65 students who are Title IV eligible. The awards were prioritized according to students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. Awards were distributed as follows:

27 Pell Grant recipients received $2000.00
4 Pell-eligible students received $1,500.00
34 non-Pell Grant recipients received $1,000.00