CARES Act - Christopher Newport University

COVID-19 Information

CARES Act

CARES Act Student Aid

Program Overview

Under the CARES Act, Christopher Newport University received federal grant funds for the purpose of providing emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

While these federal funds are not federal Title IV aid, the U.S. Department of Education's guidance suggests that students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements to qualify. In addition, these funds are to aid students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus; this is different than a change in a student's financial need, which could be a result of a loss of income.

Institutions must provide emergency grants directly to students and may not apply the grants toward outstanding institutional charges.

Title IV Eligibility Requirements

Section 484 of the Higher Education Act (HEA) states that Title IV eligible students must:

  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree or certificate program
  • Not be enrolled in elementary or secondary school
  • For currently enrolled students, be making satisfactory academic progress
  • Not owe an overpayment on Title IV grants or loans
  • Not be in default on a Title IV loan
  • File "as part of the original financial aid application process" a certification that includes
    • A statement of educational purpose
    • Student's social security number (SSN)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen
  • Have returned fraudulently obtained Title IV funds if convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to charges
  • Not have fraudulently received Title IV loans in excess of annual or aggregate limits
  • Have repaid Title IV loan amounts in excess of annual or aggregate limits if obtained inadvertently
  • Have Selective Service registration verified
  • Have social security number verified
  • Not have a federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale, with certain time limitations

Awarding Procedures

Christopher Newport has awarded all CARES Act funds allocated to emergency grants. Students who incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the novel coronavirus were identified and awards were made based on those expenses.

Christopher Newport recognized that students may have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations that could not be readily identified; therefore, students were also invited to request funds via an application with the Office of Financial Aid.

CARES Act Institutional Funding

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act has allocated Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds I, II and III in institutional support to the university. The links below are the university’s reports on these funds, as required by the Department of Education.

Automated table of files
Name Link
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I - September 2020Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I - September 2020
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - December 2020Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - December 2020
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - March 2021Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - March 2021
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - June 2021Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - June 2021
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - September 2021Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - September 2021
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - December 2021Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - December 2021
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - March 2022Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - March 2022
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - June 2022Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - June 2022
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - September 2022Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - September 2022
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - December 2022Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - December 2022
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - March 2023Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - March 2023
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - June 2023Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II and III - June 2023

CARES Act Reports

Introduction

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provided emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” As a result of receiving this funding, Christopher Newport is required by the U.S. Department of Education to update the information listed below no later than 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter (September 30, December 31, March 31, June 30) thereafter, unless the Secretary specifies an alternative method of reporting.

Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification

Christopher Newport reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s certification and agreement for these funds on April 20, 2020, and we received the allocation for the student emergency grants (half of the total award) on April 27, 2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Christopher Newport will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.

Total Emergency Grant Funding

Christopher Newport University received $1,446,968 in federal grant funds on April 27, 2020 for the purpose of providing emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

Funds Distributed to Date

As of April 6, 2021, Christopher Newport has distributed all $1,446,968 to a total of 1,699 students. Under CARES Act provisions, $1,399,210 in emergency relief grants were distributed to 1,655 students who demonstrated eligibility, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. The remaining funds of $47,758 were distributed to 44 students who demonstrated eligibility under the Consolidated Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act. Passed on December 27, 2020, CRRSA allowed institutions to use expanded allowable uses for any remaining funds allocated by the CARES Act. As all HEERF I/CARES Act funds have been distributed at this time, this will be the final quarterly report for these funds.

Student Eligibility

The total estimated number of students at Christopher Newport eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is 2,935. Of those students, 1,655 were identified as eligible students with expenses incurred due to the disruption to campus operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods Used to Determine Which Students Receive Emergency Grants and How Much

The determination of student eligibility for emergency grants at Christopher Newport, funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) were based on two methods: 1) block awarding, and 2) student application. Based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize students with the greatest financial need, Christopher Newport developed a block awarding plan that identified full-time, undergraduate students who demonstrated the highest levels of financial need (Pell eligible) as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after of March 16, 2020, who had known expenses related to the disruption of campus operations.

For block awards, amounts were determined using estimated housing and food costs based on Christopher Newport’s weekly housing and meal plan rate for the portion of the semester that transitioned to off-campus learning. Transportation costs were based on the average mileage for in-state and out of state students for transportation costs associated with the disruption of campus operations.

Students who were awarded via the block award method were required to certify expenses to confirm eligibility for the distribution of the award. Awards were canceled for those who declined having eligible expenses and/or neglected to respond to the certification request. As a result, this report has been updated to reflect the amount of grant funds distributed rather than awarded, as previously reported.

For application award determinations, amounts were determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the expense type and amount with maximum awards set for each expense category.

For commuter students, graduate students, and part-time students, it was not clear whether (or which) expenses they incurred as a result of the disruption of campus operations; therefore, those students needed to apply for funds detailing their related expenses. Awards were made depending on available funding at the time the application was processed. Applications were reviewed in the order in which they were received.

Emergency Relief Grant Guidance to Students

Students who were awarded as a result of the block awarding plan have received email notifications informing them of their emergency relief grant, which included a description of the award and the amount awarded, in addition to information related to the distribution of the award. These emails were sent to students via the student email address reported on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as their Christopher Newport campus email account. Reminder emails and personalized phone calls were made to all students who did not respond to the certification required for the distribution of the block award.

All students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester as of March 16, 2020, with the exception those not meeting the U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizenship requirements were sent an email with general information related to the purpose of funding, allowable uses and application instructions for applying for emergency grant funds.

In addition to direct student communications, the application and general information is on the COVID-19 page of the Christopher Newport website.

Introduction

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provides emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” As a result of receiving this funding, Christopher Newport is required by the U.S. Department of Education to update the information listed below no later than 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter (September 30, December 31, March 31, June 30) thereafter, unless the Secretary specifies an alternative method of reporting.

Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification

Christopher Newport reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s certification and agreement for these funds on April 20, 2020, and we received the allocation for the student emergency grants (half of the total award) on April 27, 2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Christopher Newport will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.

Total Emergency Grant Funding

Christopher Newport University received $1,446,968 in federal grant funds on April 27, 2020 for the purpose of providing emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

Funds Distributed to Date

As of January 6, 2021, Christopher Newport has distributed $867,107 in emergency relief grants to 1,037 students who have demonstrated eligibility, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Student Eligibility

The total estimated number of students at Christopher Newport eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is 2,935. Of those students, 1,037 have been identified as eligible students with expenses incurred due to the disruption to campus operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Christopher Newport continues to receive and review applications for eligibility.

Methods Used to Determine Which Students Receive Emergency Grants and How Much

The determination of student eligibility for emergency grants at Christopher Newport, funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) are based on two methods: 1) block awarding, and 2) student application. Based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize students with the greatest financial need, Christopher Newport has developed a block awarding plan that identified full-time, undergraduate students who demonstrated the highest levels of financial need (Pell eligible) as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after of March 16, 2020, who had known expenses related to the disruption of campus operations.

For block awards, amounts are determined using estimated housing and food costs based on Christopher Newport’s weekly housing and meal plan rate for the portion of the semester that transitioned to off-campus learning. Transportation costs are based on the average mileage for in-state and out of state students for transportation costs associated with the disruption of campus operations.

Students who were awarded via the block award method were required to certify expenses to confirm eligibility for the distribution of the award. Awards were canceled for those who declined having eligible expenses and/or neglected to respond to the certification request. As a result, this report has been updated to reflect the amount of grant funds distributed rather than awarded, as previously reported.

For application award determinations, amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the expense type and amount with maximum awards set for each expense category.

For commuter students, graduate students, and part-time students, it was not clear whether (or which) expenses they incurred as a result of the disruption of campus operations; therefore, those students may apply for funds detailing their related expenses. Awards will be made depending on available funding at the time the application is processed. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received.

Emergency Relief Grant Guidance to Students

Students who were awarded as a result of the block awarding plan have received email notifications informing them of their emergency relief grant, which included a description of the award and the amount awarded, in addition to information related to the distribution of the award. These emails were sent to students via the student email address reported on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as their Christopher Newport campus email account. Reminder emails and personalized phone calls were made to all students who did not respond to the certification required for the distribution of the block award.

All students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester as of March 16, 2020, with the exception those not meeting the U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizenship requirements were sent an email with general information related to the purpose of funding, allowable uses and application instructions for applying for emergency grant funds.

In addition to direct student communications, the application and general information is on the COVID-19 page of the Christopher Newport website.

Introduction

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provides emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” As a result of receiving this funding, Christopher Newport is required by the U.S. Department of Education to update the information listed below no later than 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter (September 30, December 31, March 31, June 30) thereafter, unless the Secretary specifies an alternative method of reporting.

Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification

Christopher Newport reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s certification and agreement for these funds on April 20, 2020, and we received the allocation for the student emergency grants (half of the total award) on April 27, 2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Christopher Newport will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.

Total Emergency Grant Funding

Christopher Newport University received $1,446,968 in federal grant funds on April 27, 2020 for the purpose of providing emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

Funds Distributed to Date

As of October 5, 2020, Christopher Newport has distributed $459,727 in emergency relief grants to 647 students who have demonstrated eligibility, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Student Eligibility

The total estimated number of students at Christopher Newport eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is 2,935. Of those students, 647 have been identified as eligible students with expenses incurred due to the disruption to campus operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Christopher Newport continues to receive and review applications for eligibility.

Methods Used to Determine Which Students Receive Emergency Grants and How Much

The determination of student eligibility for emergency grants at Christopher Newport, funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) are based on two methods: 1) block awarding, and 2) student application. Based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize students with the greatest financial need, Christopher Newport has developed a block awarding plan that identified full-time, undergraduate students who demonstrated the highest levels of financial need (Pell eligible) as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after of March 16, 2020, who had known expenses related to the disruption of campus operations.

For block awards, amounts are determined using estimated housing and food costs based on Christopher Newport’s weekly housing and meal plan rate for the portion of the semester that transitioned to off-campus learning. Transportation costs are based on the average mileage for in-state and out of state students for transportation costs associated with the disruption of campus operations.

Students who were awarded via the block award method were required to certify expenses to confirm eligibility for the distribution of the award. Awards were canceled for those who declined having eligible expenses and/or neglected to respond to the certification request. As a result, this report has been updated to reflect the amount of grant funds distributed rather than awarded, as previously reported.

For application award determinations, amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the expense type and amount with maximum awards set for each expense category.

For commuter students, graduate students, and part-time students, it was not clear whether (or which) expenses they incurred as a result of the disruption of campus operations; therefore, those students may apply for funds detailing their related expenses. Awards will be made depending on available funding at the time the application is processed. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received.

Emergency Relief Grant Guidance to Students

Students who were awarded as a result of the block awarding plan have received email notifications informing them of their emergency relief grant, which included a description of the award and the amount awarded, in addition to information related to the distribution of the award. These emails were sent to students via the student email address reported on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as their Christopher Newport campus email account. Reminder emails and personalized phone calls were made to all students who did not respond to the certification required for the distribution of the block award.

All students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester as of March 16, 2020, with the exception those not meeting the U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizenship requirements were sent an email with general information related to the purpose of funding, allowable uses and application instructions for applying for emergency grant funds.

In addition to direct student communications, the application and general information is on the COVID-19 page of the Christopher Newport website.

Introduction

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provides emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” As a result of receiving this funding, Christopher Newport is required by the U.S. Department of Education to report the information listed below within 30 days of receiving funding and every 45 days thereafter.

Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification

Christopher Newport reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s certification and agreement for these funds on April 20, 2020, and we received the allocation for the student emergency grants (half of the total award) on April 27, 2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Christopher Newport will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.

Total Emergency Grant Funding

Christopher Newport University received $1,446,968 in federal grant funds on April 27, 2020 for the purpose of providing emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

Funds Distributed to Date

As of August 19, 2020, Christopher Newport has awarded $474,708 in emergency relief grants to 585 students who have demonstrated eligibility, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Student Eligibility

The total estimated number of students at Christopher Newport eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is 2,935. Of those students, 585 have been identified as eligible students with expenses incurred due to the disruption to campus operations as a result of the COVID–19 pandemic. Christopher Newport continues to receive and review applications for eligibility.

Methods Used to Determine Which Students Receive Emergency Grants and How Much

The determination of student eligibility for emergency grants at Christopher Newport, funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) are based on two methods: 1) block awarding, and 2) student application. Based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize students with the greatest financial need, Christopher Newport has developed a block awarding plan that identified full-time, undergraduate students who demonstrated the highest levels of financial need (Pell eligible) as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after of March 16, 2020, who had known expenses related to the disruption of campus operations.

For block awards, amounts are determined using estimated housing and food costs based on Christopher Newport’s weekly housing and meal plan rate for the portion of the semester that transitioned to off-campus learning. Transportation costs are based on the average mileage for in-state and out of state students for transportation costs associated with the disruption of campus operations.

For application award determinations, amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the expense type and amount with maximum awards set for each expense category.

For commuter students, graduate students, and part-time students, it was not clear whether (or which) expenses they incurred as a result of the disruption of campus operations; therefore, those students may apply for funds detailing their related expenses. Awards will be made depending on available funding at the time the application is processed. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received.

Emergency Relief Grant Guidance to Students

Students who were awarded as a result of the block awarding plan have received email notifications informing them of their emergency relief grant, which included a description of the award and the amount awarded, in addition to information related to the distribution of the award.

All students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester as of March 16, 2020, with the exception those not meeting the U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizenship requirements were sent an email with general information related to the purpose of funding, allowable uses and application instructions for applying for emergency grant funds.

In addition to direct student communications, the application and general information is on the COVID–19 page of the Christopher Newport website.

Introduction

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provides emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” As a result of receiving this funding, Christopher Newport is required by the U.S. Department of Education to report the information listed below within 30 days of receiving funding and every 45 days thereafter.

Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification

Christopher Newport reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s certification and agreement for these funds on April 20, 2020, and we received the allocation for the student emergency grants (half of the total award) on April 27, 2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Christopher Newport will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.

Total Emergency Grant Funding

Christopher Newport University received $1,446,968 in federal grant funds on April 27, 2020 for the purpose of providing emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

Funds Distributed to Date

As of July 7, 2020, Christopher Newport has awarded $443,185 in emergency relief grants to 551 students who have demonstrated eligibility, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Student Eligibility

The total estimated number of students at Christopher Newport eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is 2,935. Of those students, 551 have been identified as eligible students with expenses incurred due to the disruption to campus operations as a result of the COVID–19 pandemic. Christopher Newport continues to receive and review applications for eligibility.

Methods Used to Determine Which Students Receive Emergency Grants and How Much

The determination of student eligibility for emergency grants at Christopher Newport, funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) are based on two methods: 1) block awarding, and 2) student application. Based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize students with the greatest financial need, Christopher Newport has developed a block awarding plan that identified full-time, undergraduate students who demonstrated the highest levels of financial need (Pell eligible) as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after of March 16, 2020, who had known expenses related to the disruption of campus operations.

For block awards, amounts are determined using estimated housing and food costs based on Christopher Newport’s weekly housing and meal plan rate for the portion of the semester that transitioned to off-campus learning. Transportation costs are based on the average mileage for in-state and out of state students for transportation costs associated with the disruption of campus operations.

For application award determinations, amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the expense type and amount with maximum awards set for each expense category.

For commuter students, graduate students, and part-time students, it was not clear whether (or which) expenses they incurred as a result of the disruption of campus operations; therefore, those students may apply for funds detailing their related expenses. Awards will be made depending on available funding at the time the application is processed. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received.

Emergency Relief Grant Guidance to Students

Students who were awarded as a result of the block awarding plan have received email notifications informing them of their emergency relief grant, which included a description of the award and the amount awarded, in addition to information related to the distribution of the award.

All students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester as of March 16, 2020, with the exception those not meeting the U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizenship requirements were sent an email with general information related to the purpose of funding, allowable uses and application instructions for applying for emergency grant funds.

In addition to direct student communications, the application and general information is on the COVID–19 page of the Christopher Newport website.

Introduction

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provides emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education "to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus." As a result of receiving this funding, Christopher Newport is required by the U.S. Department of Education to report the information listed below within 30 days of receiving funding and every 45 days thereafter.

Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification

Christopher Newport reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education's certification and agreement for these funds on April 20, 2020, and we received the allocation for the student emergency grants (half of the total award) on April 27, 2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Christopher Newport will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.

Total Emergency Grant Funding

Christopher Newport University received $1,446,968 in federal grant funds on April 27, 2020 for the purpose of providing emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

Funds Distributed to Date

As of May 26, 2020, Christopher Newport is in the process of awarding $353,409 in emergency relief grants to 429 students who have demonstrated the highest level of financial need, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Education.

Student Eligibility

The total number of students at Christopher Newport eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is 2,935. Of those students, 429 have been identified as students with the highest level of financial need with expenses incurred due to disruption to campus operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Christopher Newport is in the process of awarding and notifying those students.

Methods Used to Determine Which Students Receive Emergency Grants and How Much

The determination of student eligibility for emergency grants at Christopher Newport, funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) are based on two methods: 1) block awarding, and 2) student application. Based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize students with the greatest financial need, Christopher Newport has developed a block awarding plan that identified full-time, undergraduate students who demonstrated the highest levels of financial need (Pell eligible) as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after of March 16, 2020, who had known expenses related to the disruption of campus operations.

For block awards, amounts are determined using estimated housing and food costs based on Christopher Newport's weekly housing and meal plan rate for the portion of the semester that transitioned to off-campus learning. Transportation costs are based on the average mileage for in-state and out of state students for transportation costs associated with the disruption of campus operations.

For application award determinations, amounts will be determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the expense type and amount with maximum awards set for each expense category.

For commuter students, graduate students, and part-time students, it was not clear whether (or which) expenses they incurred as a result of the disruption of campus operations; therefore, those students may apply for funds detailing their related expenses. Awards will be made depending on available funding at the time the application is processed. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received.

Emergency Relief Grant Guidance to Students

Students who were awarded as a result of the block awarding plan will receive email notifications informing them of their emergency relief grant, which will include a description of the award and the amount awarded, in addition to information related to the distribution of the award.

All students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester as of March 16, 2020, with the exception of those not meeting the U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizenship requirements will be sent an email with general information related to the purpose of funding, allowable uses and application instructions for applying for emergency grant funds.

In addition to direct student communications, the application and general information has been added to the COVID-19 page of the Christopher Newport website along with a link to the website of the Office of Financial Aid.

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