May 26, 2020

To: Students
CC: Faculty and Staff
From: Laurence Alexander, J.D., Ph.D.
RE: Additional Information Regarding the CARES Act Emergency Funds

I wanted to provide some additional information regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act emergency relief fund. These funds, which provide assistance to institutions to cover some of the costs related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19, were awarded for expenses related to food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.

Following the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Education, UAPB established a CARES Act award plan, which has received the approval of the University of Arkansas System. Below is additional information on eligibility, amounts, and distribution.

Who will be eligible to receive CARES funds?
Funding from this program is only available to students who enrolled at UAPB in the Spring 2020 semester and are deemed eligible according to the regulations established by the Title IV program. To receive CARES funds, students must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. If you have not completed your FAFSA and would like to be considered for the CARES funds, you have until June 30, 2020, to complete your 2019-2020 financial aid application. Additionally, according to the CARES Act, students who were exclusively enrolled in online courses before March 13, 2020, will not be eligible to participate in the program.

If I meet the eligibility requirements, how much will I receive?
Grant amounts will vary from $120 to $1,000 based on the number of credit hours students were enrolled in during the Spring 2020 semester. The maximum award is $1,000.

Do I have to repay a Federal Emergency Aid Grant?
Students will not be required to repay the funds awarded from this program.

How will I receive CARES Funds?
The monies will be posted to students’ BankMobile accounts.

When will I receive CARES Funds?
The UAPB Controller’s Office will begin processing funds as soon as possible. Distribution will occur over the next several weeks.

We hope that you are safe and healthy throughout this pandemic. I miss your presence on campus, and look forward to your return.