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CARES Act Reporting - 6/12/2020

6/12/2020

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Reporting: Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students
Lycoming College 30-Day Fund Report
Posting Date: June 12, 2020

Overview

Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or the “Act”)), Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (March 27, 2020), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the Secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”).

On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education posted their reporting requirements for HEERF participating institutions.

Each HEERF participating institution is responsible for providing this information in report format (the “30-day Fund Report”). In addition, these participating institutions are required to post the information listed below on the institution’s primary website. Accordingly, the following information will be easily accessible to the public and made available 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation under 18004(a)(1) and updated every 45 days thereafter. The college also confirms it has continued to pay all its employees and contractors during the period of any disruptions or closures to the greatest extent practicable.

Lycoming College hereby addresses questions for the “30-day Fund Report”:

1. An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Lycoming College Response: Lycoming College completed and submitted the Recipient Funding and Certification Agreement on Monday, April 27, 2020 assuring that 50% of the funds would be used as intended to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The college received a total allocation of $1,392,658. The Board of Trustees approved the distribution methodology, which was then enacted by the President, Vice President for Finance & Administration, Controller and Bursar.

2. The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

Lycoming College Response: Lycoming College received $696,329 in funding to be distributed among its applicants.

3. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter).

Lycoming College Response: As of June 12, 2020, the college has distributed $696,329 to students.

4. The estimated total number of students at the institution 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.

Lycoming College Response: The college estimates the number of students eligible to participate in the emergency grant program is 975.

5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Lycoming College Response: As of June 12, 2020, 969 students have been awarded an emergency Financial Aid Grant from the CARES Act.

6. The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Lycoming College Response: Lycoming College made a distribution of Emergency Relief Grants to select students by check to assist with the disruption to their housing and food expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the guidance in the CARES Act, students who filed a FAFSA are eligible to receive Emergency Relief Grants. The amounts of these grants were based on an analysis of each student’s spring 2020 out-of-pocket commitment, with a maximum award amount of $850. The formula included approximately 400 higher financial need students who were awarded the maximum grant amount of $850. Data analyzed included tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and dining expenses, along with financial aid including grants and scholarships.

7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Lycoming College Response: A letter was included with the Emergency Financial Aid Grant checks noting the following:
“Lycoming College has received funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The College is required to allocate these funds to students in order to provide emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.)

Enclosed please find a check for the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant.

By accepting this grant, you are confirming that these funds will be used for expenses incurred as they relate to the coronavirus pandemic.”