Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

Wheeling University Report

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act granted funds to institutions through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). Institutions are required to use 50 percent of these funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to Coronavirus. Eligible expenses include food, housing, utilities, course materials, technology, health care and child care expenses, and travel or moving expenses for returning home due to the transition to online learning.

Wheeling University was awarded $383,327 under Grant Award P425E201033 with budget period 4/22/20 to 4/21/21 and project entitled Wheeling University Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Wheeling University completed and submitted the Funding Certification Agreement on April 23, 2020. A team was established with representatives from Financial Aid, faculty, coaches, and other University administrators in order to use 50 percent of the funding for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 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 is 712.

30-day Report:  As of May 23, 2020, the total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 306 for a total of $306,000.

45-day Report: As of June 24, 2020, the total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 332 students for a total of $332,000.

Quarterly Report: As of September 30, 2020, the total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 333 students for a total of $333,000.

Wheeling University has established an application process for students to request funds for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, such as food, housing, utilities, course materials, technology, health care and child care expenses, and travel or moving expenses for returning home due to the transition to online learning under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. Award amounts are determined by Wheeling University based upon an individualized review of the student emergency grant application in accordance with guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education. As of September 30, 2020, the average amount awarded to a student is $1,000.

Wheeling University announced the availability of emergency grants on April 30, 2020, via an update from the President sent to each student’s email with a link to the online application. Additionally, the University amplified awareness through social media platforms. These student notifications include information that funds may be used for allowable expenses such as food, housing, utilities, course materials, technology, health care and child care expenses, and travel or moving expenses for returning home due to the transition to online learning.