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HEERF I
About the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF): Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020
On March 27, 2020, the federal government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The CARES Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”). A portion of HEERF funds must go directly to eligible students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis (“HEERF Student Share Grant Funds”).
On May 11, 2020, the University finalized a policy regarding the HEERF Student Share Grant Funds for the Spring 2020 academic term and developed an online application process for students to request these grants. Supplemental guidance issued by ED in June 2020 clarified that students who were not enrolled in the Spring 2020 academic term but are enrolled in a subsequent academic session are also eligible to receive HEERF Student Share Grant Funds.
On August 21, 2020 the University issued a policy addendum regarding funds available to students enrolled in academic terms subsequent to Spring 2020. On August 31, 2020 the University closed the online application for students enrolled in Spring 2020 so it could finalize the Spring 2020 disbursements and prepare an online application process for eligible students enrolled in the summer and fall 2020 academic terms. The Post-Spring 2020 online application was made available to students on September 30, 2020.
For HEERF I reports, including Section 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion Public Reporting, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I expect to receive my Summer and Fall HEERF Student Share Grant? (01/07/21)
As of December 31, 2020, substantially all of the $5 million of available HEERF Student Share Grant Funds were distributed to eligible students. HEERF Student Share payment activity can be found by reviewing your account in LOCUS.
Why was my HEERF Student Share Grant application denied? Is there anything I can do to receive some of these grant funds? (10/21/20)
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Student Share Grant was established by the CARES Act and guided by the U.S. Department of Education. According to the government’s regulations, the HEERF Student Share grants are to aid students for “expenses incurred related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.” This is different than a change in a student's financial need due to COVID-19, which could be a result of a loss of income, rather than new expenses. Please refer to the HEERF Student Share Grant Policy for more information concerning expenses eligible for the HEERF Student Share Grant funds. If you wish to submit another application, please consider providing a description of how the expense incurred is related to the disruption of campus operations.
We truly empathize with the hardships our students and families are experiencing as a result of this pandemic. While your HEERF application did not meet the grant requirements, we want you to know that Loyola has a variety of programs to support you during this time. These programs include the Center for Student Assistance and Advocacy, the Loyola Commitment, and other financial aid assistance. We encourage you to learn more about this valuable assistance at LUC.edu/coronavirus/valuableassistance.
I received a HEERF Student Share grant award, but why was the amount I received was less than the amount I requested on my application? (10/21/20)
The CARES Act and the U.S. Department of Education established that the HEERF Student Share grants are to aid students for “expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.” In addition, the U.S. Department of Education encouraged institutions to prioritize students with the greatest need while establishing thresholds to ensure that the funds are distributed as widely as possible.
As students submitted their HEERF Student Share applications, we became informed of the types and amount of expenses generally incurred related to the disruption of campus operations. Amounts you requested in certain expense categories may have been reduced to reflect a more equitable distribution of available funds, as well as compliance with the government’s guidelines on eligible expenses.
We truly empathize with the hardships our students and families are experiencing as a result of this pandemic. While the HEERF Student Share Grant funds you received were less than the amount you requested, we want you to know that Loyola has a variety of programs to support you during this time. These programs include the Center for Student Assistance and Advocacy, the Loyola Commitment, and other financial aid assistance. We encourage you to learn more about this valuable assistance at LUC.edu/coronavirus/valuableassistance.
I was enrolled in the spring semester and had a FAFSA on file for 2019-2020 academic year. I’m now enrolled in the fall semester but haven’t filed a FAFSA for 2020-2021. Can I apply? (10/02/20)
Students enrolled in the fall semester must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2020-2021 Aid Year. If you have not yet filed a FAFSA, you can do so at www.studentaid.gov. Once the Financial Aid Office certifies you have a valid FAFSA, you can submit your HEERF Grant application.
How can I apply for a Summer and Fall HEERF Student Share Grant Fund? (09/30/20)
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Student Share Grant summer and fall application is now available at forms.LUC.edu/heerf. Applications submitted by Wednesday, October 14 will be included in the Priority Application Period.
To log onto the online application, you will need your student UVID and password. Once logged in, you will be asked to provide receipts supporting expenses you incurred.
Who is eligible to apply for a HEERF Student Share Grant Fund? (09/30/20)
Students in associate’s, bachelor’s, graduate, professional, and certificate programs may apply for the HEERF Student Share Grant Funds. Students enrolled in the fall semester must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2020-2021 Aid Year. If you have not yet filed a FAFSA, you can do so at www.studentaid.gov. Once the Financial Aid Office certifies you have a valid FAFSA, you can submit your HEERF Grant application.
The University’s HEERF Student Share Grant Funds policy addendum outlines eligibility requirements and other important information concerning eligible expenses related to the summer and fall academic terms.
What expenses are eligible under the Summer and Fall HEERF Student Share Grant? (09/30/20)
Expenses related to the disruption of campus operations which may qualify for a HEERF grant include:
- Expenses incurred related to breaking a lease or securing last-minute housing
- Moving, storage, and airline change fees
- Technology purchases related to the transition to online learning
- Other expenses including food, childcare, and healthcare related to the disruption of campus operations
Lost wages are not considered by the federal government to be an eligible expense.
How will Loyola distribute the Summer and Fall HEERF Student Share Grant Funds? (09/30/20)
The University’s HEERF Student Share Grant Funds policy addendum outlines the process by which students will be able to apply for grants for the summer and fall academic terms and how they will be awarded and paid. Approximately $1.5 million of HEERF Student Share funds remain available as of September 30. Applications submitted through noon on October 14 will be included in the priority application period.
Updates concerning available funds will be posted to LUC.edu/heerf.
