CARES ACT REPORT HIGHER EDUCATION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (HEERF)
HEERF II GRANT – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is HEERF II?
HEERF II is the second round of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), which provides financial support directly to students.
How much HEERF II funding did Miami Regional University receive and what is the funding for?
Miami Regional University was allocated $769,114.00 to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions must make financial aid grants to students, which can be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, books, course materials, technology expenses, food, housing, health care, mental health care, or childcare. The amount of grant funding received by the University was determined by the U.S. Department of Education based on the number of Pell Grant-eligible students enrolled on campus.
As of March 18, 2022, all HEERF grant funds are exhausted and no further applications are being accepted. If you have questions, please contact mrucaresfunds@mru.edu
As of March 18, 2022, all HEERF II funds were exhausted. A total of 2059 students were disbursed, totaling $769,114.00.
As of December 31, 2021, 1955 students have been awarded HEERF funds totaling $638,209.75
As of September 30, 2021 1,572 students have been awarded HEERF funds totaling $513,179.40
As of June 30, 2021, 1,060 students have been awarded HEERF funds totaling $346,037.
As of March 30, 2021, Miami Regional University has not yet distributed funds to students.
| MRU HEERF PAYMENT ALLOCATION INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WHO MAY QUALIFY FOR HEERF PAYMENTS: | 2,356 |
| TOTAL AMOUNT OF HEERF AID AVAILABLE FOR PAYMENTS TO STUDENTS: | $769,114.00 |
| MAXIMUM AMOUNT FOR EACH ELIGIBLE STUDENT: | $326.45* |
Amounts may be modified later for the remainder of the grant period based on remaining funding. MRU’s intention is to assist as many students as possible while being sensitive to need, in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education’s guidance.
Am I eligible to receive a HEERF II emergency grant?
Based on the law and U.S. Department of Education guidelines, to be eligible for a HEERF II emergency grant, you must:
- Be enrolled at Miami Regional University in Spring 2021
- Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or an eligible noncitizen.
- Be a current student at the time of disbursement.
- Not be on SAP Suspension.
- Not owe a refund for any federal student aid or are not in default on federal student loans.
*The 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is no longer required to determine a student’s eligibility for HEERF-II.
How can I apply to receive HEERF II funds?
If you are eligible to apply, we will email you with instructions and the link to apply. It’s important that you check your MRU email account for any updates about your eligibility.
I believe I’m qualified to receive a HEERF II emergency grant, but I did not receive an email. What should I do?
Please email: mrucaresfunds@mru.edu for additional guidance.
Is there a deadline to apply for the HEERF II funds?
HEERF II grants will be available on a first-come basis and so long as funds are available. Our intention is to assist as many students as possible while being sensitive to need, in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education’s guidance.
Do I have to be eligible to receive financial aid to apply for the HEERF II funds?
No. Students do not have to be eligible to receive financial aid to receive – HEERF II Funds. Students must be taking courses that are eligible for financial aid during the semester for which they are requesting the funds.
When will I know if I will receive a grant?
Our goal is to award emergency grants as quickly as possible*. You will receive a notification to your mru.edu email address notifying you if you received the grant, in what amount and instructions to receive the funds.
Do I need to repay the grant I receive?
No, you do not need to repay this grant.
Will this funding reduce my financial aid?
No, this is a one-time grant that will not affect your existing financial aid.
If I’m awarded a HEERF II emergency grant, how will I receive my grant money?
A paper check will be issued. The Bursar’s Office will contact you when the check is ready to be picked up. Please make sure you enter the phone number you want to be contacted on the application.
Important Note: HEERF II funding will not be applied to your Miami Regional University student account. Even if you have outstanding tuition and fees, your funds will be paid via a paper check. If you wish to use these funds to pay your account balance with Miami Regional University, please contact the Bursar’s Office via email at bursar@mru.edu
When will I receive my grant money?
The U.S. Department of Education issued guidance on distribution of these emergency grants to students. They recommended a students’ need, as determined by the completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be strongly considered when awarding funds. MRU will follow this recommendation and students’ disbursements will be made based on students’ Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
I know someone that goes to another University and received a different amount.
Every University received a different amount of funds from the United States Department of Education. Because each University had a different amount of money and a different number of eligible students, grant amounts will vary by university.
What if I currently owe tuition or other expenses to MRU?
The full amount of the emergency grants will be given directly to students and will not pay outstanding balances owed to MRU. Any outstanding balance remains the responsibility of the student.
*Your application may be delayed if your FAFSA information is not on file.
Do I need to repay the grant I receive?
No, you do not need to repay this grant.
Will this funding reduce my financial aid?
No, this is a one-time grant that will not affect your existing financial aid.
If I’m awarded a HEERF II emergency grant, how will I receive my grant money?
A paper check will be issued. The Bursar’s Office will contact you when the check is ready to be picked up. Please make sure you enter the phone number you want to be contacted on the application.
Important Note: HEERF II funding will not be applied to your Miami Regional University student account. Even if you have outstanding tuition and fees, your funds will be paid via a paper check. If you wish to use these funds to pay your account balance with Miami Regional University, please contact the Bursar’s Office via email at bursar@mru.edu
When will I receive my grant money?
The U.S. Department of Education issued guidance on distribution of these emergency grants to students. They recommended a students’ need, as determined by the completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be strongly considered when awarding funds. MRU will follow this recommendation and students’ disbursements will be made based on students’ Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
I know someone that goes to another University and received a different amount.
Every University received a different amount of funds from the United States Department of Education. Because each University had a different amount of money and a different number of eligible students, grant amounts will vary by University.
What if I currently owe tuition or other expenses to MRU?
The full amount of the emergency grants will be given directly to students and will not pay outstanding balances owed to MRU. Any outstanding balance remains the responsibility of the student.
THE INSTITUTION IS IN THE PLANNING STAGES TO DISTRIBUTE HIGHER EDUCATION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND II (HEERF II) FUNDING. ONCE THE INSTITUTION HAS DEVELOPED A PROCESS AND DETERMINED ELIGIBILITY, THE INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED ONLINE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN APPLYING FOR THE CARES ACT STUDENT EMERGENCY GRANTS. MIAMI REGIONAL UNIVERSITY CARES ACT FUNDS ARE NOW EXHAUSTED.
Miami Regional University’s Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion (for the period ending September 30, 2020, Final Report).
As of June 25, 2020, Miami Regional University is providing emergency grants to eligible students from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), under the CARES Act, to support our learners who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 campus disruptions. To promote transparency and comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act, we are providing the following public information:
Miami Regional University signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement on June 4, 2020. Miami Regional University received $774,452.00 in funding from the CARES Act. Half of that, $387,226.00, is specifically designated as emergency financial aid grants to students. The University is in the process of distributing those funds to eligible students who have incurred expenses associated with the disruption of their education due to coronavirus.
The total amount of funds that Miami Regional University received from the Department for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students is $387,226.00
The total amount of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is $387,226.00 as of September 30, 2020.
The total amount of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is $387,226.00 as of December 31, 2020
The estimated total number of Miami Regional University students 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 under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 1,876.
A total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 1,107 as of September 30, 2020.
Miami Regional University determined which students would receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants based upon the CARES Grant application and verification of Title IV aid eligibility. To determine award amounts, the method used was based on the number of students potentially eligible and the funding provided by the Federal Government for the student aid portion of the CARES Act. All students who met the basic criteria established by the Department of Education from the CARES Act legislation were emailed mailed an application for funding. An application was also included on the University’s CARES Act webpage where a student could submit if they did not receive or misplaced their University communication. All students who returned a completed application and certified on the application that they met the criteria on the application by the cut-off date were mailed a check for $350. Emergency Grants will be awarded until funds are exhausted.
On June 26, 2020 all eligible students were notified via their student email that Miami Regional University would receive and distribute Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CARES Act. Students were directed to the FAQ page for further information and a link to the online application. Upon submission of the application, students were notified that they would receive a communication to their email address within 5-7 business days. On July 3, 2020 an email was sent reminding students of the deadline for the Cares Grant funds.
As of June 25, 2020, Miami Regional University is providing emergency grants to eligible students from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), under the CARES Act, to support our learners who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 campus disruptions. To promote transparency and comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act, we are providing the following public information:
Miami Regional University signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement on June 4, 2020. Miami Regional University received $774,452.00 in funding from the CARES Act. Half of that, $387,226.00, is specifically designated as emergency financial aid grants to students. The University is in the process of distributing those funds to eligible students who have incurred expenses associated with the disruption of their education due to coronavirus.
The total amount of funds that Miami Regional University received from the Department for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students is $387,226.00
The total amount of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is $268,100 as of July 25, 2020.
The estimated total number of Miami Regional University students 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 under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 1,876.
A total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 766 as of July 25, 2020.
Miami Regional University determined which students would receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants based upon the CARES Grant application and verification of Title IV aid eligibility. To determine award amounts, the method used was based on the number of students potentially eligible and the funding provided by the Federal Government for the student aid portion of the CARES Act. All students who met the basic criteria established by the Department of Education from the CARES Act legislation were emailed mailed an application for funding. An application was also included on the University’s CARES Act webpage where a student could submit if they did not receive or misplaced their University communication. All students who returned a completed application and certified on the application that they met the criteria on the application by the cut-off date were mailed a check for $350. Emergency Grants will be awarded until funds are exhausted.
On June 26, 2020 all eligible students were notified via their student email that Miami Regional University would receive and distribute Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CARES Act. Students were directed to the FAQ page for further information and a link to the online application. Upon submission of the application, students were notified that they would receive a communication to their email address within 5-7 business days. On July 3, 2020 an email was sent reminding students of the deadline for the Cares Grant funds.
Miami Regional University was awarded $387,226.00 on June 25, 2020 for funding students through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”) established in accordance with Section 18004 of the Coronavirus Aid, and the CARES Act provides federal aid to institutions of higher education to provide emergency financial assistance. These funds are to help students cover expenses related to unanticipated travel, additional technology requirements, or other needs related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.
MRU will make federal CARES Act funds available to undergraduate and graduate students that have submitted a FAFSA and meet all other Title IV eligibility requirements. Students must apply for consideration and funds will be awarded on an ongoing basis until exhausted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to apply for the emergency grant?
Emergency grants require an application and certification of use of funds. The application for the CARES Grant funds is available on the MRU student portal.
Who is eligible for CARES Act funds?
The general eligibility criteria for these grants are:
- Students must have been enrolled in at least one onsite course at MRU during the Winter 2020 semester and remained enrolled through at least March 13, 2020
- Students must have been matriculated in a certificate or degree program on March 13, 2020
- Are not enrolled in a fully online program
- Have filed a 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) (Students who have not completed a FAFSA can still do so.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Do not owe a refund for any federal student aid or are not in default on federal student loans
- Are a U.S. citizen or other Title IV eligible noncitizen
Will this funding reduce my financial aid?
No, this fund does not negate nor replace financial aid, and it is a one-time grant.
What are the types of expenses covered by CARES Act funding?
CARES Act funding will cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the effects of the coronavirus. This could include money spent for unanticipated travel, replacement of medications, emergency childcare due to extended school closures, course materials, food, additional technology requirements, etc.
How long before I know if I am awarded?
Our goal is to provide funding decisions within 5-7 business days depending upon the sufficiency of your application and provided documentation. Follow-up questions and supplemental information can be sent to: mrucaresfunds@mru.edu
What if I am not funded the amount that I requested?
Every application is evaluated individually, and the amount granted is based on documented qualified expenses and available funding. If you need additional help, you can submit a new request.
How will I receive the funding if my request is approved?
Paper Check
A paper check will be available and mailed to the home address on record with the University. To change your address, please contact the Registrar’s office at Registrar@mru.edu
How much funding will I get?
Each student will certify and apply for the amount of their eligible expenses, however, the maximum amount per student is $500.