HEERF II-CRRSAA Information
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) has provided emergency funding to institutions of higher education and their students during the Coronavirus pandemic. HEERF funding was split up into 3 programs, HEERF I, HEERF II, and HEERF III. HEERF II was the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, or CRRSAA.
Background
WSU was awarded approximately $24 million from the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, or CRRSAA, in March 2021. $10.88 million was allocated to Student Emergency Funds.
Funding Methodology and Timeline
Students were emailed information about CRRSAA on March 18, 2021. The methods used by Washington State University to determine which students received Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act is described as follows. The restrictive nature of who could be funded by the CRRSAA was partially based on requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of activity of this fund. Subsequent information received by the U.S. Department of Education in May 2021 allowed for expanded eligibility and was considered for later disbursements:
Initial methodology:
- Determine criteria for eligible students:
• Students who had a valid FAFSA with no outstanding eligibility requirements and
• Students who were meeting satisfactory academic progress and
• Students enrolled at half-time or more for Spring 2021 - Identify eligible students with the greatest need first (per federal guidance):
• Undergraduate students who are Pell-eligible for Spring 2021.
• Undergraduate students with an expected family contribution of $12,000 or less.
• Graduate/professional students who an expected family contribution of $5,701 or less.
• Distribution Level: $1,000 - Application process:
Students not selected through the above process, but who still were eligible for federal student aid (valid FAFSA on file) and who met satisfactory academic progress and were half-time or greater for Spring 2021, were considered through the Emergency Fund Request Form. The amount of those distributions was set at $500.
Updated methodology:
In May 2021, the U.S. Department of Education released additional guidance on eligibility criteria for any HEERF funds (I, II, and III). Student need determination was still required, but there is now no restriction on the student being eligible for federal financial aid. In June 2021, the expanded criteria looked at FAFSA filers that were not meeting satisfactory academic progress. Students who were enrolled for Summer 2021 were also considered. Students who attended Spring term half-time or more, and who completed the Emergency Fund Request form were considered for funding. This included students who would not be eligible for federal aid (international, undocumented, or non-FAFSA filers).
Current Status
As of mid-June 2021, nearly all of the student portion of the CRRSAA funding has been disbursed to students.
More Information
Please see the HEERF II CRRSAA Reporting for more information.
Key Facts Regarding Federal CARES Act Grants
Washington State University acknowledges that it has signed and returned the Certification and Agreement to the Department of Education.