Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Emergency Funds FAQs
The recently enacted federal CARES Act provided money to colleges and universities for emergency student grants. The purpose of the money is to award emergency financial aid grants to students for specific expenses that are a direct result of the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.
The College of Wooster will distribute at least $708,898 in CARES Act funding in a way that prioritizes students with the greatest demonstrated need and ensures that funds are distributed as widely as possible.
What expenses can be considered for CARES Act Emergency funding?
The following is a list of expenses that can be considered for CARES Act Emergency grant assistance if they were incurred in “direct relation to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus:”
- Food
- Housing
- Course materials
- Health care
- Childcare
- Technology-related expenses (such as having to buy a computer when courses were moved online)
- Other expenses (expenses that do not fit the above-mentioned categories)
Who is eligible for CARES Act Emergency funding?
If you were enrolled at The College of Wooster during the Spring 2020 semester and were eligible to receive Title IV aid, you were able to receive CARES Act Emergency funds. Subsequent to graduation, if you were enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester and are registered for Fall 2020 classes, you may continue to apply for CARES Act Emergency funds.
Do I have to file a FAFSA to receive CARES Act Emergency funds?
While the federal regulations do not mandate the completion of a FAFSA, the College of Wooster is using the FAFSA to determine Title IV eligibility. Therefore, we recommend you file a FAFSA prior to applying for CARES Act Emergency funds.
Can I apply for these funds if I am an international or undocumented student?
No, unfortunately the guidance from the federal government regarding distribution of these funds indicates that they are reserved only for students who are Title IV eligible. International students and undocumented students are not Title IV eligible. If you are an international or undocumented student in need of aid, please contact the Dean of Students office at dos@wooster.edu. They have other emergency funds available, with which they can help you.
I am a student with need who is eligible for CARES Emergency Act funding. What do I do?
CARES Act Emergency funding will be distributed in three ways:
- As stated in President Bolton’s e-mail on April 28th, if you have a need for financial support, you should e-mail the Dean of Students’ Office at dos@wooster.edu or the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@wooster.edu with a summary of your current circumstances. The Dean of Students’ Office and the Financial Aid Office will review the emails they receive on a rolling basis to collect additional information to ensure eligibility for CARES Act emergency funds. You will need to monitor closely your Wooster e-mail and respond to the request for additional information. If funds are awarded to you, the Dean of Students’ Office and the Financial Aid Office will communicate directly with you through your Wooster e-mail.
- If you are a Pell Grant recipient with an expected family contribution of less than $12,000, you have previously been contacted regarding CARES act funding, because you have priority eligibility to receive funds for your needs.
- The remaining CARES Act Emergency funds have been set aside for future needs of eligible students. To apply for funding, you should e-mail the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@wooster.edu with a summary of your current circumstances.
What can I do if I am not eligible for CARES Act Emergency funding, but have need?
The College of Wooster recognizes that the need for student support extends beyond what is allowed through the Federal CARES Act and has funds provided by alumni gifts to support international, undocumented, and DACA students. These institutional funds are currently available through the College’s student application for emergency funding site. You can also email the Dean of Students at dos@wooster.edu for help.
How much will I receive?
Award amounts will vary. If you request any emergency aid, grant amounts will be determined based on the number of applications received and specific need. The College of Wooster cannot guarantee that all requests will be funded.
When will I know the results of my request?
The Dean of Students’ Office and the Financial Aid Office will be in touch with you once your request has been reviewed. You can expect a response within two weeks.
How will I receive the money?
All emergency grants will be processed through the Business Office. Emergency grants will be directly deposited into your bank account if you are enrolled in direct deposit. If you do not have direct deposit, you will receive an Emergency grant check in the mail. If you would like to expedite the receipt of the funds, you should enroll using the direct deposit enrollment form, available on ScotWeb.
What if I owe The College of Wooster for tuition or other expenses?
The full amount of the emergency grants will be given directly to you, and The College of Wooster will not hold the funds to pay any outstanding balance owed.
Will CARES Act Emergency funds impact current or future financial aid?
No. This funding is not financial aid. It is emergency relief funding from Congress.
Are the CARES Act Emergency funds taxable?
No. The IRS has announced that the funds do not need to be reported as taxable income at year end. Please see the IRS website for more information.
Reports
- Student Grant Report #1 (5/28/20)
- Student Grant Report #2 (7/10/20)
- Student Grant Report #3 (8/24/20)
- Student Grant Report #4 (9/30/20)
- Student Grant Report #5 (12/31/20)
- Student Grant Report #6 (3/31/21)
- CARES Act HEERF Quarterly Report #1 (9/30/20)
- CARES Act HEERF Quarterly Report #2 (12/31/20)
- CARES Act HEERF Quarterly Report #3 (3/31/21)