Amounts Distributed and Number Awarded
As of April 12, 2021, we have awarded 4,973 students a total of $5,156,250 in CARES funds and 4,607 students a total of $4,449,950 in CRRSAA funds.
- January to March 2021 HEERF Report (PDF, 183 Kb)
- September to December 2020 HEERF Report (PDF, 191 Kb)
- March to September 2020 HEERF Report (PDF, 589 Kb)
Identification of Students
The university developed a process in line with the DoE guidance to distribute the funds in the most expedited way possible. The decision was made to identify priority groups of students based on immediate, identified need due to the disruption of campus operations from coronavirus and make block awards to students in those priority groups. Students were asked to submit a response indicating how they had been impacted by COVID-19 and the disruption of campus operations. After discussion with administrators, faculty and student success staff, priority student groups were identified. Students who were not eligible for funds, such as fully online students and those not eligible to apply for Title IV funds, were not included in these populations. The university identified 7,499 potential students who were eligible.
- Displaced Institutional Work Study Students: These students were working in university-sponsored work study positions that could not be transitioned to remote work or assigned alternate work. In most cases, these positions worked directly in physical student traffic. The EKU Office of Human Resources identified all students who lost their positions after campus operations were limited and calculated the average compensation for the weeks those students would have worked. Students in Federal Work Study positions did not qualify.
- Homeless Students in Residence Halls: When residence halls closed due to COVID-19, students with no available residence were moved into one location on campus. These students had no home and in most cases they had lost their part-time employment due to the closure of businesses on or around campus. The EKU Housing office worked with financial aid to identify these students. CARES funds helped those students pay for essential needs (housing, food, toiletries) for the summer months during which campus was under limited operation due to the pandemic.
- Institutional Emergency Fund (SAFE) Applicants: These students applied for emergency funds through the university’s pre-existing application process for these funds, which is a small pool of donations to help students in crisis. Applications were reviewed and students were awarded a minimal amount due to the limited nature of donated funds available. All of these students demonstrated pressing financial need due to the disruption of campus operations from coronavirus and had needs that were above the amount the university could afford to award at the time (an average of $300). A second award of CARES funds allowed students to continue to pay for essential needs for food over the summer months during which the campus was under limited operation due to the pandemic.
- Full Need ($0 EFC) Pell Grant Recipients: These were our neediest students for which a small financial obstacle could prevent students from succeeding. The disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected this group of students. CARES funds helped students pay for essential needs (housing, food, toiletries) for the summer months during which campus was under limited operation due to the pandemic.
- Remaining Pell Grant Recipients: Although not full need, this group of students also faced financial barriers to success even under normal conditions. The economic impact associated with disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted this group of students as well, but to a lesser extent than full need students. Therefore the award amount for this group was smaller. CARES funds helped students pay for essential needs (housing, food, toiletries) for the summer months during which campus was under limited operation due to the pandemic.
- Students with a Balance: These were students who had a documented financial need. Their balance was a reflection of financial instability and indicated that they had financial barriers. The amount of this award was tiered based on the amount of the student balance. CARES funds helped these students cover essential needs and other financial obligations for the summer months during which campus was under limited operations due to the pandemic. Funds were directly distributed to students to cover needs. They were NOT applied to the identified balance. The balance was only an indicator of need that translated to priority disbursement.
- Students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $5,580 – $20,000. These were students who were also enrolled during the Spring 2020 semester and still demonstrated need when compared to the EKU Cost of Attendance. Many times these students are some of our neediest students in terms of paying the bill due for tuition, fees, room and meals because they do not qualify for any federal or state need based grants. The amount of these funds were less than for students who qualified for the Pell Grant but helped these students cover essential needs and other financial obligations for the summer months. Funds were directly distributed to students to cover needs.
Remaining funds after awards were made to priority groups were distributed to students who applied for emergency funds over the year following the start of the pandemic. These students had continued financial need due to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. These students applied on their own or were directed to apply by faculty or staff members who knew the student had a need related to COVID-19. This allowed us to provide assistance to qualifying students who did not fit one of the priority groups. CARES funds helped these students cover essential needs and other financial obligations related to disruption caused by the pandemic. These students applied through the SAFE process outlined here.
COVID-19 Impact Documentation
All students who fell into one of the priority groups were asked to complete a form to document the ways they were impacted by the disruption in campus operations due to COVID-19. That documentation was provided in our reporting spreadsheet for the Department of Education. The form is provided in Appendix A.
Awarded Amount Justification
Justification for amounts awarded is provided in the table below. If students fell into more than one category, they were awarded the largest group award for which they qualified.
| Categories of Awardees | Amount Awarded per Student | Justification for Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Group #1 | $750.00 | The average estimated earnings for the remaining term of employment was $743. |
| Priority Group #2 | $4,350.00 | The amount awarded covered the summer housing charge $3,150 for on-campus housing and $1,200 for food and other basic needs for 3 months of limited campus operation. |
| Priority Group #3 | $1,200.00 | Amount covered food and basic needs for three months of limited campus operation. |
| Priority Group #4 | $1,200.00 | Amount covered food and basic needs for three months of limited campus operation. |
| Priority Group #5 | $600.00 | Amount covered half of food and basic needs for three months of limited campus operation. |
| Priority Group #6 | ||
| Balance Amount: $500 – $999 | $500.00 | Students had existing need based on account balance that would impact the continuation of education. The amount awarded was tiered based on amount of balance as an indication of financial need. |
| Balance Amount: $1,000 – $1,999 | $1,000.00 | |
| Balance Amount: $2,000 – $3,000 | $1,500.00 | |
| Balance Amount Greater Than $3,000 | $2,000.00 | |
| Priority Group #7 | $1,200.00 | Students who applied for emergency grants within one year and were impacted by COVID-19 in some way. Limit to $1,200 to cover basic needs. |
Distribution Method and Message
Students received an email in their university email account with the message below to let them know that they were eligible for CARES funds. The link referenced in the message took students to the form in Appendix A.
You are eligible for $X in emergency relief funds associated with additional expenses related to the disruption of University operations due to COVID-19. These funds will be disbursed to you through a process established by Eastern Kentucky University. To be eligible, log into EKU Direct and click the yellow box that says ‘Click here to submit the CARES form.’ Then complete the form to indicate how you have been impacted by the disruption of University operations due to COVID-19. Once you have completed the form and updated your address and banking information, the University will issue the funds through your associated bank account or by check. Failure to update your address or banking information will delay receipt of these funds.
Please contact us at finaid@eku.edu or (859) 622-2361 if you have questions about the disbursement or the disbursement process.
Once a student completed the form, their information were provided to the EKU Finance Office and funds were distributed to the student on the next distribution day that week. The Finance Office updated the record for date of distribution and tracked any returned funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CARES Act?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The purpose of the CARES Act was to provide emergency assistance to current students with the most financial need, as a result of disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Who was eligible for CARES?
- Official 2019-2020 FAFSA on file
- Enrolled in a degree-seeking program for the Spring 2020 term
- Not enrolled in 100% online program
- Maintained the minimum requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Eligible for Title IV funds
How was CARES awarded to EKU students?
Justification for amounts awarded is provided in the table below. If students fell into more than one category, they were awarded the largest group award for which they qualify. If a student was not eligible based on the identified criteria, EKU encouraged them to complete the SAFE (Student Assistance Fund for Eastern) Application. Students who complete the SAFE application were awarded on a case by case basis.
| Categories of Awardees | Amount Awarded per Student | Justification for Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Group #1 | $750.00 | The average estimated earnings for the remaining term of employment was $743. |
| Priority Group #2 | $4,350.00 | The amount awarded covered the summer housing charge $3,150 for on-campus housing and $1,200 for food and other basic needs for 3 months of limited campus operation. |
| Priority Group #3 | $1,200.00 | Amount covered food and basic needs for three months of limited campus operation. |
| Priority Group #4 | $1,200.00 | Amount covered food and basic needs for three months of limited campus operation. |
| Priority Group #5 | $600.00 | Amount covered half of food and basic needs for three months of limited campus operation. |
| Priority Group #6 | ||
| Balance Amount: $500 – $999 | $500.00 | Students had existing need based on account balance that would impact the continuation of education. The amount awarded was tiered based on amount of balance as an indication of financial need. |
| Balance Amount: $1,000 – $1,999 | $1,000.00 | |
| Balance Amount: $2,000 – $3,000 | $1,500.00 | |
| Balance Amount Greater Than $3,000 | $2,000.00 | |
| Priority Group #7 | $1,200.00 | Students who applied for emergency grants within one year and were impacted by COVID-19 in some way. Limit to $1,200 to cover basic needs. |
Was I eligible for CARES Act funding?
Students who were eligible received an email with instructions on how to accept their grant and enter their bank information for direct deposit. Checks were also mailed.
If I did not receive CARES Act funds, can I apply?
Yes, EKU encourages students who have been adversely affected by COVID-19 to complete the SAFE (Student Assistance Fund for Eastern) Application. Students who complete the SAFE application will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
What expenses qualify under the CARES Act?
This grant was provided to assist students with unexpected expenses related to campus disruption as a result of COVID-19 and the transition to all distance learning. The eligible expenses include but are not limited to:
- Food
- Housing
- Healthcare
- Child Care
- Course Materials
- Technology Needs
- Educational Related Expenses
Do recipients have to pay back CARES?
No, CARES Act is a grant that does not have to be paid back.
Is the grant taxable?
No, per the Internal Revenue Service the grant will not be included in your taxable income. Please visit the IRS’s site for more details.
Will the CARES Act grant affect my future aid eligibility?
No, receiving CARES funds will not affect future financial aid eligibility.
Are graduate students eligible?
Yes, any graduate student that has not received CARES and has been adversely affected by COVID-19 please complete the SAFE application.
