CARES ACT

Higher Education Relief Fund Reporting

American Rescue Plan, HEERF III Funds
May 6, 2022

Acknowledgement that the Institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification Agreement

The American Rescue Act was signed into law on March 11, 2021 and contains funding for higher education. Wilberforce University received its HEERF III Grant award notification on May 17, 2021 and in accordance with the requirements of the ARP(a)(1), no less than $1,668,626 will be used to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.

The Total of funds the institution has received from the Department of Education for funds to students
The total amount of funds that the institution received on May 14, 2021 from the Department pursuant to the institutions Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students was $1,668,626.

Total Amount of Federal Aid Distributed to Students
As of May 2, 2022, a total of $990,030.40 has been distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Estimated number of students eligible to participate under Section 484 in TIV of the Higher Education Act of 1965
There are 348 students at Wilberforce University who are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the TITLE IV of the Higher Education Act of 1964 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under section 18004(a)(a) of the CARES Act.

Total number of students who have received Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act
Approximately 348 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of May 2, 2022.

WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY POLICY ON CARES ACT

Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Section 18004(c) of the Cares Act requires Wilberforce University to use at least fifty percent of the funds received to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID 19(including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare).

Upon receipt of the Grant Award Notification (GANS) from the Department of Education, Wilberforce University will promptly make available emergency financial aid grants as funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act directly to Wilberforce University students who are enrolled in the spring 2022 semester as of May 2, 2022. These funds are to be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID 19. This includes food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare, as required by Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act. Wilberforce University will not use the funds to reimburse itself for any costs or expenses, including but not limited to any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus and/or any refunds or other benefit previously issued to students.

Methods used by Wilberforce University to determine student’s eligibility and amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grant under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act

Student Eligibility
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA As of May 2, 2022
• Must be enrolled in the 2022 Spring semester on May 2, 2022.
• Must be a degree-seeking student (undergraduate, CLIMB and graduate).
• Must be eligible to receive Title IV aid; see Title IV Eligibility Criteria (Basic Eligibility Criteria for Federal Student Aid).
• Enrollment was impacted by COVID-19 and have expenses incurred for housing, food, course materials, technology, healthcare, or childcare.
• Must not be enrolled in a fully online program.

There is no application process for these funds. All students who qualify will receive funds via direct deposit or check.
Consistent with Section 18004(c), Wilberforce University retains discretion to:

1. Determine the amount of each individual Emergency Financial Aid Grant consistent with all applicable laws including non-discrimination laws.
2. Prescribe the methodology for distribution of funds across the student population.

The CARES Act student emergency funding will be managed by the Director of Financial Aid. As encouraged by the Secretary of Education in the Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement for CARES Act Funding, the Director of Financial Aid will exercise the use of professional judgment available under Section 479A of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), 20 U.S.C § 1087tt, to determine need and eligibility for receipt of CARES Act student emergency grants.

The University awarded 348 students emergency grants to all undergraduate students (traditional and CLIMB) who were enrolled on May 2, 2022.   The University allocated emergency grant awards to students across multiple levels:

1. The First Category consists of full time Pell eligible students. These students are taking 12 or more credit hours during the Spring 2022 semester. This group of students would receive the largest disbursements amounts. (211 students received $1010)
2. The Second Category will consist of fulltime students that are not Pell eligible, or students that did not apply for financial aid but could have that are taking 12 or more credit hours during the Spring 2022 semester. This group of students would receive the 2nd largest disbursement amounts. (71 students received $910)
3. The Third Category will consist of Pell eligible students that are taking less than 12 credit hours during the Spring 2022 semester. (46 students received $710)
4. The Fourth Category will consist of students that are not Pell eligible or students that did not apply for financial aid but could have and that are taking less than 12 credit hours. (20 students received 610)

The Secretary does not consider these individual Emergency Financial Aid Grants to constitute Federal Financial Aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). The emergency financial aid funds will not be used for any purpose other than the direct payments of grants to students for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Wilberforce University will promptly comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act and (i) report to the Secretary thirty (30) days from the date the Certification and Agreement was signed and every forty-five (45) days thereafter in accordance with 2 CFR 200.333 through 2 CFR 200.337, or in such other additional form as the Secretary may specify.

Wilberforce University will report:

1. How grants were distributed to students,
2. The amount of each grant awarded to each student,
3. How the amount of each grant was calculated, and
4. Any instructions or directions given to students about the grants

Wilberforce University will promptly and to the greatest extent practicable distribute all the funds in the form of emergency financial aid grants to students within 12 months from the date of the signed Certificate and Agreement. The Business and Finance Office will process the payments of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to each eligible student in the same way credit balances are processed for Title IV aid. At no time will any emergency grant be used by the University to offset existing student account balances, nor future student account charges. Funds will be disbursed directly to individual students, as directed by that student, in the form of a check or electronic transfer payment.

The following instructions have been provided to students at Wilberforce University regarding the CARES Act Emergency Grants to students
All communications went out on May 6, 2022 which included notice to the student body regarding information of CARES Act emergency funding and eligibility. The college sent the following communication to students:

• The intent is for all students to receive a disbursement as soon as possible that is why we have chosen not to have the students complete an application for these funds.
• Funds will be distributed through the Accounts Payable Office, in the Business and Finance division. Students will receive funding even if they have a current balance on their student account.
• Once the current enrollment list has been validated for accuracy, we will be able to determine the amounts that will be given out for the four categories of enrolled students.Please be assured that this funding is forthcoming and we ask your patience as we work to distribute the funds to each student.

American Rescue Plan
HEERF III Funds
December 1, 2021

Acknowledgement that the Institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification Agreement

The American Rescue Act was signed into law on March 11, 2021 and contains funding for higher education. Wilberforce University received its HEERF III Grant award notification on May 17, 2021 and in accordance with the requirements of the ARP(a)(1), no less than $1,668,626 will be used to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.

The Total of funds the institution has received from the Department of Education for funds to students
The total amount of funds that the institution received on May 14, 2021 from the Department pursuant to the institutions Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students was $1,668,626.

Total Amount of Federal Aid Distributed to Students
As of December 31, 2021, a total of $667,450.40 has been distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Estimated number of students eligible to participate under Section 484 in TIV of the Higher Education Act of 1965
There are 474 students at Wilberforce University who are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the TITLE IV of the Higher Education Act of 1964 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under section 18004(a)(a) of the CARES Act.

Total number of students who have received Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act
Approximately 474 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of December 31, 2021.

WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY POLICY ON CARES ACT
Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Section 18004(c) of the Cares Act requires Wilberforce University to use at least fifty percent of the funds received to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID 19(including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare).

Upon receipt of the Grant Award Notification (GANS) from the Department of Education, Wilberforce University will promptly make available emergency financial aid grants as funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act directly to Wilberforce University students who are enrolled in the Fall 2021 semester as of December 1, 2021. These funds are to be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID 19. This includes food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare, as required by Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act. Wilberforce University will not use the funds to reimburse itself for any costs or expenses, including but not limited to any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus and/or any refunds or other benefit previously issued to students.

Methods used by Wilberforce University to determine student’s eligibility and amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grant under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act

Student Eligibility
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA As of December 1, 2021

• Must be enrolled in the 2021 Fall semester on December 31, 2021.
• Must be a degree-seeking student (undergraduate, CLIMB and graduate).
• Must be eligible to receive Title IV aid; see Title IV Eligibility Criteria (Basic Eligibility Criteria for Federal Student Aid).
• Enrollment was impacted by COVID-19 and have expenses incurred for housing, food, course materials, technology, healthcare, or childcare.
• Must not be enrolled in a fully online program.

There is no application process for these funds. All students who qualify will receive funds via direct deposit or check.

Consistent with Section 18004(c), Wilberforce University retains discretion to:

1. Determine the amount of each individual Emergency Financial Aid Grant consistent with all applicable laws including non-discrimination laws.
2. Prescribe the methodology for distribution of funds across the student population.

The CARES Act student emergency funding will be managed by the Director of Financial Aid. As encouraged by the Secretary of Education in the Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement for CARES Act Funding, the Director of Financial Aid will exercise the use of professional judgment available under Section 479A of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), 20 U.S.C § 1087tt, to determine need and eligibility for receipt of CARES Act student emergency grants.

The University awarded 348 students emergency grants to all undergraduate students (traditional and CLIMB) who were enrolled on December 1, 2021.   The University allocated emergency grant awards to students across multiple levels:

1. The First Category consists of full time Pell eligible students. These students are taking 12 or more credit hours during the Fall 2021 semester. This group of students would receive the largest disbursements amounts. (304 students received $1510)
2. The Second Category will consist of fulltime students that are not Pell eligible, or students that did not apply for financial aid but could have that are taking 12 or more credit hours during the Fall 2021 semester. This group of students would receive the 2nd largest disbursement amounts. (79 students received $1309)
3. The Third Category will consist of Pell eligible students that are taking less than 12 credit hours during the Fall 2021 semester. (42 students received $1209)
4. The Fourth Category will consist of students that are not Pell eligible or students that did not apply for financial aid but could have and that are taking less than 12 credit hours. (49 students received 1109)

The Secretary does not consider these individual Emergency Financial Aid Grants to constitute Federal Financial Aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). The emergency financial aid funds will not be used for any purpose other than the direct payments of grants to students for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Wilberforce University will promptly comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act and (i) report to the Secretary thirty (30) days from the date the Certification and Agreement was signed and every forty-five (45) days thereafter in accordance with 2 CFR 200.333 through 2 CFR 200.337, or in such other additional form as the Secretary may specify.

Wilberforce University will report:

• How grants were distributed to students,
• The amount of each grant awarded to each student,
• How the amount of each grant was calculated, and
• Any instructions or directions given to students about the grants

Wilberforce University will promptly and to the greatest extent practicable distribute all the funds in the form of emergency financial aid grants to students within 12 months from the date of the signed Certificate and Agreement. The Business and Finance Office will process the payments of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to each eligible student in the same way credit balances are processed for Title IV aid. At no time will any emergency grant be used by the University to offset existing student account balances, nor future student account charges. Funds will be disbursed directly to individual students, as directed by that student, in the form of a check or electronic transfer payment.

The following instructions have been provided to students at Wilberforce University regarding the CARES Act Emergency Grants to students
All communications went out on December 31, 2021 which included notice to the student body regarding information of CARES Act emergency funding and eligibility. The college sent the following communication to students:

The intent is for all students to receive a disbursement as soon as possible that is why we have chosen not to have the students complete an application for these funds.

Funds will be distributed through the Accounts Payable Office, in the Business and Finance division. Students will receive funding even if they have a current balance on their student account.

Once the current enrollment list has been validated for accuracy, we will be able to determine the amounts that will be given out for the four categories of enrolled students.

Please be assured that this funding is forthcoming and we ask your patience as we work to distribute the funds to each student.

HEERF II (CRRSAA)

On December 27, 2020, federal legislation was signed into law that, among other initiatives, created a second funding program, HEERF II, or CARES Act II. Wilberforce University received its HEERF II Grant award notification on January 17, 2021. In accordance with the requirements of CRRSAA and ARP(a)(1) and (a)(4) programs, no less than $344, 704.00 will be used to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.

Wilberforce University had a total of 386 students enrolled for the spring 2021 semester. Per CRRSAA rules, Wilberforce has prioritized the awarding of HEERF II funds to students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. As of December 31, 2021, from the $344,686 of the student portion of the HEERF II funding, Wilberforce University has distributed a total of $344,686 to students with the highest demonstrated financial need as calculated by the FAFSA to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID pandemic

Methods used by Wilberforce University to determine student’s eligibility and amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grant under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act 

Student Eligibility 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA As of Feb, 2021 

• Must be enrolled in the 2021 Spring semester on April 15, 2021.
• Must be a degree-seeking student (undergraduate, CLIMB and graduate).
• Must be eligible to receive Title IV aid; see Title IV Eligibility Criteria (Basic Eligibility Criteria for Federal Student Aid).
• Enrollment was impacted by COVID-19 and have expenses incurred for housing, food, course materials, technology, healthcare, or childcare.

• Must not be enrolled in a fully online program.

There is no application process for these funds. All students who qualify will receive funds via direct deposit or check.

The University awarded 386 students emergency grants to all undergraduate students (traditional and CLIMB) who were enrolled on April 14, 2021.   The University allocated emergency grant awards to students across multiple levels:

1. The First Category consists of full time Pell eligible students.  These students are taking 12 or more credit hours during the Spring 2021 semester.  This group of students would receive the largest disbursements amounts. (277 students received $940)
2. The Second Category will consist of fulltime students that are not Pell eligible, or students that did not apply for financial aid but could have that are taking 12 or more credit hours during the Spring 2021 semester.  This group of students would receive the 2nd largest disbursement amounts. (59 students received $836)
3. The Third Category will consist of Pell eligible students that are taking less than 12 credit hours during the Spring 2021 semester. (32 students received $736)
4. The Fourth Category will consist of students that are not Pell eligible or students that did not apply for financial aid but could have and that are taking less than 12 credit hours. (18 students received 636)

As of Dec 31, 2021, from the student portion of the HEERF II funding, Wilberforce University has distributed $344,686 in HEERF II grants to 386 students.

The following is the Wilberforce University HEERF Quarterly report.

The following is the Wilberforce University HEERF Quarterly report.

CARES Act Emergency Funds for Student 
30 Day Report – June 3, 2020 

Acknowledgement that the Institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification Agreement 

On April 21, 2020, Wilberforce University signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to the Department of Education. 

The Total of funds the institution has received from the Department of Education for funds to students 

The total amount of funds that the institution received on April 27, 2020 from the Department pursuant to the institutions Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students was $689,372. 

Total Amount of Federal Aid Distributed to Students 

As of May 8, 2020, a total of $344,800 has been distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

Estimated number of students eligible to participate under Section 484 in TIV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 

There are 444 students at Wilberforce University who are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the TITLE IV of the Higher Education Act of 1964 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under section 18004(a)(a) of the CARES Act. 

Total number of students who have received Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act 

Approximately 444 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of May 8, 2020. 

____________________________________________________________ 

WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY POLICY ON CARES ACT 

Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act 

Section 18004(c) of the Cares Act requires Wilberforce University to use at least fifty percent of the funds received to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID 19(including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care). 

Upon receipt of the Grant Award Notification (GANS) from the Department of Education, Wilberforce University will promptly make available emergency financial aid grants as funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act directly to Wilberforce University students who are enrolled in the spring 2020 semester. These funds are to be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID 19. This includes food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care, as required by Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act. Wilberforce University will not use the funds to reimburse itself for any costs or expenses, including but not limited to any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus and/or any refunds or other benefit previously issued to students. 

Methods used by Wilberforce University to determine student’s eligibility and amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grant under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act 

Student Eligibility 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA As of March 16, 2020 

• Must be enrolled in the 2020 Spring semester on March 16, 2020. 
• Must be a degree-seeking student–undergraduate. 
• Must be eligible to receive Title IV aid; see Title IV Eligibility Criteria (Basic Eligibility Criteria for Federal Student Aid). 
• Enrollment was impacted by COVID-19 and have expenses incurred for housing, food, course materials, technology, healthcare, or childcare. 

• Must not be enrolled in a fully online program. 

There is no application process for these funds. All students who qualify will receive funds via direct deposit or check. 

Consistent with Section 18004(c), Wilberforce University retains discretion to: 

1. Determine the amount of each individual Emergency Financial Aid Grant consistent with all applicable laws including non-discrimination laws. 
2. Prescribe the methodology for distribution of funds across the student population. 

The CARES Act student emergency funding will be managed by the Director of Financial Aid. As encouraged by the Secretary of Education in the Recipient’s  Funding Certification and Agreement for CARES Act Funding, the Director of Financial Aid will exercise the use of professional judgment available under Section 479A of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), 20 U.S.C § 1087tt, to determine need and eligibility for receipt of CARES Act student emergency grants. 

The University awarded 444 students emergency grants to all undergraduate students (traditional and CLIMB) who were enrolled on March 16, 2020.   The University allocated emergency grant awards to students across multiple levels:  
 

1. The First Category consists of full time Pell eligible students.  These students are taking 12 or more credit hours during the Spring 2020 semester.  This group of students would receive the largest disbursements amounts. (students received $800) 
2. The Second Category will consist of full time students that are not Pell eligible, or students that did not apply for financial aid but could have that are taking 12 or more credit hours during the Spring 2020 semester.  This group of students would receive the 2nd largest disbursement amounts. (students received $700) 
3. The Third Category will consist of Pell eligible students that are taking less than 12 credit hours during the Spring 2020 semester. (students received $600) 
4. The Fourth Category will consist of students that are not Pell eligible or students that did not apply for financial aid but could have and that are taking less than 12 credit hours. (students received $500) 

The Secretary does not consider these individual Emergency Financial Aid Grants to constitute Federal Financial Aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). The emergency financial aid funds will not be used for any purpose other than the direct payments of grants to students for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Wilberforce University will promptly comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act and (i) report to the Secretary thirty (30) days from the date the Certification and Agreement was signed and every forty five (45) days thereafter in accordance with 2 CFR 200.333 through 2 CFR 200.337, or in such other additional form as the Secretary may specify.

Wilberforce University will report: 

1. How grants were distributed to students, 
2. The amount of each grant awarded to each student, 
3. How the amount of each grant was calculated, and 
4. Any instructions or directions given to students about the grants 

Wilberforce University will promptly and to the greatest extent practicable distribute all the funds in the form of emergency financial aid grants to students within 12 months from the date of the signed Certificate and Agreement. The Business and Finance Office will process the payments of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to each eligible student in the same manner in which credit balances are processed for Title IV aid. At no time will any emergency grant be used by the University to offset existing student account balances, nor future student account charges. Funds will be disbursed directly to individual students, as directed by that student, in the form of a check or electronic transfer payment.

The following instructions have been provided to students at Wilberforce University regarding the CARES Act Emergency Grants to students 

All communications went out on May 8, 2020 which included notice to the student body regarding information of CARES Act emergency funding and eligibility.  The college sent the following communication to students:

 CARES ACT Student Emergency Funds  April 26, 2020 

The President’s Letter follows below.

From the Desk of President Elfred Anthony Pinkard

CARES ACT Student Disbursement  

April 29, 2020

The Department of Education (DOE) has given Wilberforce University approximately $344,686 to be disbursed to students due to the financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is the process we have developed to distribute the funds to our currently enrolled students.

There will be four categories of students that were enrolled on March 16, 2020 during the Spring 2020 semester:

1. The First Category consists of full time Pell eligible students. These students are taking 12 or more credit hours during the Spring 2020 semester.
2. The Second Category will consist of full time students that are not Pell eligible, or students that did not apply for financial aid but could have that are taking 12 or core credit hours during the Spring 2020 semester
3. The Third Category will consist of Pell eligible students that are taking less than 12 credit hours during the Spring 2020 semester.
4. The Fourth Category will consist of Non-Pell eligible students or students that did not apply for financial aid but could have that are taking less than 12 credit hours.

The intent is for all students, except graduate students to receive a disbursement as soon as possible that is why we have chosen not to have the students complete an application for these funds. Graduate students were excluded because the Graduate Program has acquired a $2 million grant and part of those funds are used for scholarships and stipends for graduate students.

Funds will be distributed through the Accounts Payable Office, in the Business and Finance division. Students will receive funding even if they have a current balance on their student account.

Once the current enrollment list has been validated for accuracy, we will be able to determine the amounts that will be given out for the four categories of enrolled students.

Please be assured that this funding is forthcoming and we ask your patience as we work to distribute the funds to each student.