Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – Emergency Aid to Students Reporting

The U.S. Department of Education requires the following information related to “CARES Act Emergency Aid to Students” to be posted on our university website. The quarterly report below represents the final report that covers all remaining HEERF fund expenditures for CARES Act Student Emergency Funds and CARES Act MSI Student Emergency Funds.

Acknowledgement:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell will provide emergency grant assistance to students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. General information about the CARES Act funding for higher education is available on the U.S. Department of Education website.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell signed and returned the Funding Certification and Agreement to the U.S. Department of Education on April 16, 2020. Within this agreement, University of Massachusetts Lowell has agreed to spend no less than 50 percent of the total funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act on direct emergency grant aid to students.

In addition, the University of Massachusetts Lowell received subsequent funding through the CARES Act based on our designation of a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) for our population of students who identify as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander.

Funding SourceAmount
Total Available Student Emergency Aid$4,486,340
CARES Act Allocation$4,450,161
MSI Allocation$36,179
  • 11,944 - Estimated Number of Eligible Students
  • 2,596 - Total Students Awarded between Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2020
  • $942,077 - Funds Distributed between Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2020

Total Program Expenditures as of December 31, 2020

  • 4,174 - CARES Act Funds: Total Students Awarded
  • $4,450,161 - CARES Act Funds: Total Funds Distributed
  • 40 - MSI Funds: Total Students Awarded
  • $36,179 - MSI Funds: Total Funds Distributed

Methods:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell opened an online application process for students to apply for CARES Act Student Emergency Aid in May 2020. Students are required to have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at the university to verify their Title IV eligibility. The university will provide additional application periods as campus disruption and available funding continues.

Applications will be reviewed at the close of the each application period. The number of applications, reported expenses, and known economic need will determine the amount of funds each student receives. Awards will be posted and distributed directly to students via direct deposit or paper check.

The CARES Act funding received under our MSI designation will follow the same application and review process, but will be provided to students who identity as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander.


Instructions / Directions / Guidance Provided to Students:

Students were notified about the CARES Act Student Emergency Aid online application through a campus-wide email, social media posts, and a link on our website. The university also provided students with Frequently Asked Questions on the application website.

The online application requires students to report the expenses they incurred as a result of the university’s shift to remote operations and course instruction. Students are also be required to have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at the university to verify their Title IV eligibility.


Final Report Dec. 31, 2020

Read the CARES Student Grant Report for Quarter Ending Sept. 30, 2020.

Read the HEERF I - CARES Student Portion Reporting Requirements  - Dec. 31, 2020.