Furman University would like to provide an update on the support received from the Emergency Financial Aid Grant to Students via the COVID-19 Aid Relief (CARES) Act.
Date of Application
On June 1, 2020, Furman University signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Certification, Agreement, and the assurance that Furman University intends to use no less than 50 percent of the total funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Department of Education Authorization
On June 15, 2020, Furman University received authorization for $828,234 from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
CARES Act Funds Distributed
As of June 9, 2021, $828,234 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
Estimated Number of Eligible Students
1146 students at Furman University are estimated to be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
Number of Recipients to Date
As of June 9, 2021, 929 students at Furman University have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
Award Methodology
Furman University is using the following methods to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. General eligibility for funding is limited by federal regulations to students who (1) are eligible to receive Title IV federal aid which is determined through completion of the FAFSA, and (2) were enrolled on or after March 7, 2020. Priority is given to students with the highest financial need.
- Payment Method 1: Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the 2019-20 academic year received an automatic payment/reimbursement of $1,250.
- Payment Method 2: Students who meet federal eligibility requirements, and received need-based financial aid during the 2019-20 academic year received an automatic payment/reimbursement of $650.
- Payment Method 3: Other Furman University students who meet federal eligibility requirements, but do not necessarily receive need-based financial aid, may apply for HEERF assistance through the Student Emergency Fund application process if they have relevant, documented, and unreimbursed expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.
- Payment Method 4: If federal CARES Act funds remain, reimbursement will be made to Furman University for funds previously provided to students, on or after March 27, 2020 (the date the CARES Act was enacted) if they meet all federal funding criteria.
Communications
Furman University is providing the following information and instructions to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
Email to automatic payment recipients:
This email is to notify you that you have received CARES Act student relief funds in the amount of $(amount student received). These funds must be used exclusively for expenses related to the disruption of Furman’s Spring 2020 on-campus instruction, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child-care expenses.
If you have previously provided your bank account information, your CARES Act student relief funds will be direct deposited into your account on Monday, (date of direct deposit). If we did not have your bank account information, your check was mailed on Friday, (date check mailed) to your home address on file.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Andrea J. Byrd
Director of Financial Aid
Furman University
financialaid@furman.edu
864.294.2351
Web posting for the application process:
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Have an immediate financial challenge related to the coronavirus pandemic (may include food, housing, medical care, technology, travel, or other basic needs)? Furman can help!