Required Reporting Pursuant to the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) and American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

Rockhurst University

Thursday, March 31, 2022

View HEERF Funding Documents #1

View HEERF Funding Documents #2

View HEERF Funding Documents #3

On April 20, 2020, Rockhurst University signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (The Act) of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The University subsequently received $816,281 of funds under The Act that was distributed in its entirety to eligible students in the form of Emergency Financial Aid Grants in 2020. The University received $816,281 under the CRRSAA that was distributed in its entirety to eligible students in the form of Emergency Financial Aid Grants in March 2021.

The University received $2,487,616 under the ARP, $1,266,500 of which was distributed to 1,531 eligible students in the form of Emergency Financial Aid Grants in November 2021.

The remaining $1,221,116 of ARP funds was distributed to students in the form of Emergency Financial Aid Grants as follows:

·       Immediate, Need-based grants: These $250 - $1,000 grants were automatically distributed in February 2022 to 1,425 eligible undergraduate and graduate students whose Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) on the 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) filing was at or below $30,000. The grant amount was determined on a sliding scale based on the student’s EFC. Because these grants were automatic, there was no further action required by the grant recipients or their families.

·       Application-based grants: These $200 - $330 grants were distributed in March 2022 to 126 eligible undergraduate and graduate students. The grant amounts were determined on a subjective basis with consideration given to the amount of the grant request and whether the student received an immediate, need-based automatic distribution grant.

For purposes of the above grants, eligible students were those undergraduate and graduate students who were enrolled at least half-time in on-ground and/or online classes in the Spring 2022 semester, had not completely withdrawn from the University on February 16, 2022, and were not dual-enrolled in courses at partner institutions. The University estimates that 2,365 students were eligible to receive a grant.

The guidance provided by the University to its students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the ARP can be found here.

February 4, 2022

Dear Rockhurst University Students, 

In May 2021, a third round of federal aid to students was authorized through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to help offset the impact of the pandemic. Rockhurst University has received $2,487,616 to disburse to students who have the greatest financial need. In November 2021, $1,266,500 of these funds were distributed and the remaining funds will be distributed by March 15, 2022.

A portion of the remaining funds will be automatically distributed. No application is necessary. Students who qualify for an automatic disbursement will receive an email within the next two weeks with a link to a form they can complete if they would like the funds applied directly to the student’s current RU account balance. Students who do not complete the form will receive the funds in the form of a check or direct deposit.

Students who are currently enrolled at least half time during the Spring 2022 semester in any Rockhurst University program and who, according to their 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), have an expected family contribution (EFC) of zero to $30,000 will receive automatic disbursements in amounts ranging from $250 to $1,000 by the end of February. Students in joint programs with Research College of Nursing and KCU (or other institutions through the KCASE program) are not eligible for the Rockhurst University student distribution but should check with RCN or KCU (or their home institution) for eligibility within those institutions’ student distributions.

Students, whether or not a United States citizen, who are currently enrolled at least half time during the Spring 2022 semester in any Rockhurst University program and who do not receive an automatic distribution this Spring will have an opportunity to apply for these HEERF funds based on their unique circumstances. The application for these funds will open on February 23^rd and will be announced via a separate email at that time. These funds are limited, so it is unlikely that all students who apply will receive it.

Those qualified students enrolled in direct deposit will receive their funds sooner. If you are not already enrolled in direct deposit, you can do so by accessing Nelnet through the Rockhurst student portal. If you are unable to enroll in direct deposit, please ensure your mailing address is correct by visiting Rockweb, which is also accessible through the student portal.

Rockhurst's financial aid office recognizes that students and their families can experience changes in income or other finances that are not reflected in their information on the FAFSA. When these situations occur, it is possible to re-evaluate a student’s aid eligibility based on their current circumstances through the Professional Judgement (PJ) process. All Professional Judgement applications are required to have a detailed letter of explanation and supporting documentation. There must be an involuntary significant change to the household finances to be considered for a Professional Judgement. Contact the financial aid office at financialaid@rockhurst.edu for further information.

We realize the past two academic years have been very challenging in a number of ways. We hope these funds will assist you. 

February 24, 2022

Dear Rockhurst University Students, 

In May 2021, a third round of federal aid to students was authorized through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to help offset the impact of the pandemic. Rockhurst University has received $2,487,616 to disburse to students who have the greatest financial need. In November 2021, $1,266,500 of these funds were distributed and another $1,181,500 was distributed to students earlier this month. The final disbursement of HEERF student aid will be awarded to students via an application.

Any current Rockhurst University student, whether or not a United States citizen, who satisfies the following eligibility criteria is invited to apply for HEERF student aid in order to help offset the financial impact of the pandemic.

You are eligible to apply if you:

·       did not receive an automatic HEERF III grant in the Spring 2022 semester.

·       are enrolled at least half-time in Spring 2022 as of February 23rd, 2022 (Undergrad at least 6 hours, grad students at least 4.5 hours).

·       are not dual-enrolled in the following partner institutions (Research College of Nursing, KCU, and/or KCase).

Link to Application for HEERF student aid

Deadline to complete the application is Friday March 4^th, 2022 at 11pm. These funds are limited, so it is unlikely that all students who apply will receive it.

Students who are granted funds through this application process will receive an email by March 14^th with a link to a form they can complete if they would like the funds applied directly to the student’s current RU account balance. Recipients who do not complete the form will receive the funds in the form of a check or direct deposit.

We realize the past two academic years have been very challenging in a number of ways. We hope these funds will assist you. 

February 24, 2022

Today, you were sent an email regarding the HEERF application. You were notified last Friday, February 18^th that you are being granted an automatic disbursement and will receive it by the end of the month. Since you are receiving the auto grant distribution, you do not need to complete the application. 

We are processing the HEERF grant distributions today and you should expect to receive the funds by next week. If you elected for your grant to be applied to your balance, you should see that reflected by tomorrow on your Nelnet account.

Please contact financialaid@rockhurst.edu with any questions.

Friday, December 31, 2021

On April 20, 2020, Rockhurst University signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (The Act) of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The University subsequently received $816,281 of funds under The Act that was distributed in its entirety to eligible students in the form of Emergency Financial Aid Grants in 2020. The University received $816,281 under the CRRSAA that was distributed in its entirety to eligible students in the form of Emergency Financial Aid Grants in March 2021.

The University received $2,487,616 under the ARP, $1,266,500, of which was distributed to 1,531 eligible students in the form of Emergency Financial Aid Grants in November 2021. For purposes of the ARP, eligible students are those undergraduate and graduate students who were enrolled at least half-time in on-ground and/or online classes in the fall 2021 semester and had not completely withdrawn from the University on Nov. 8, 2021. The University estimates that 2,545 students were eligible to receive a grant under the ARP.

Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the ARP were awarded as follows:

• Immediate, Need-based grants: These $250 - $1,000 grants were automatically distributed to those undergraduate and graduate students whose Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) on the 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) filing was at or below $30,000. The grant amount was determined on a sliding scale (included below) based on the student’s EFC. Because these grants were automatic, there was no further action required by the grant recipients or their families.

The guidance provided by the University to its students on Nov. 4 and Nov. 11 concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the ARP can be found below.

The University will distribute the remaining $1,221,116 under the ARP in March 2022.

November 4, 2021

Dear Rockhurst University Students, 

Earlier this year, a third round of federal aid to students was authorized through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to help offset the impact of the pandemic. Rockhurst University has received $2,487,616 to disburse to students who have the greatest financial need. We will be disbursing half of this student relief aid during the Fall 2021 semester (during the month of November) and half during the Spring 2022 semester.

Funds during this Fall 2021 disbursement will automatically be disbursed prior to the Thanksgiving break. No application is necessary. Within a week of this email, students who qualify for a disbursement this Fall will receive an email with a link to a form they can complete if they would like the funds applied directly to the student’s current RU account balance. Students who do not complete the form will receive the funds in the form of a check or direct deposit.

Students who are currently enrolled at least half time during the Fall 2021 semester in any Rockhurst University program and who, according to their 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), have an expected family contribution (EFC) of zero to $30,000 will receive aid in amounts ranging from $250 to $1,000. Students in joint programs with Research College of Nursing and KCU are not eligible for the Rockhurst University student distribution but should check with RCN or KCU for eligibility within those institutions’ student distributions. 

Those qualified students enrolled in direct deposit will receive their funds sooner. If you are not already enrolled in direct deposit, you can do so by accessing Nelnet through the Rockhurst student portal. If you are unable to enroll in direct deposit, please ensure your mailing address is correct by visiting Rockweb, which is also accessible through the student portal.

We realize the past two academic years have been very challenging in a number of ways. We hope these funds will assist you as you look toward the final weeks of this semester. 

November 11, 2021

Good morning -

I recently announced that the University would be disbursing HEERF federal funds meant to help offset the impact of the pandemic to our students with the greatest financial need. Based on your expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by your 2021-2022 FAFSA, we have determined you will receive an HEERF student disbursement this Fall.  

Please complete this form if you want to apply your HEERF funds directly to the balance on your student account – for your Fall 2021 balance or for your Spring 2022 future balance. If you want to apply your HEERF funds directly to your student balance, please complete the form before the end of the day on Monday, November 15.

If you do not complete the linked form, the HEERF funds will be paid directly to you. If you are enrolled in direct deposit, the funds will be deposited in your bank account. If not, a check will be mailed to the address we have on file for you. If you are not already enrolled in direct deposit, you can do so by accessing Nelnet through the Rockhurst student portal. If you are unable to enroll in direct deposit, please ensure your mailing address is correct by visiting Rockweb, which is also accessible through the student portal. Please make any address or direct deposit updates no later than the end of the day on Monday, November 15. This will ensure you can receive your funds promptly.  

You can expect to receive the funds by the week of Thanksgiving break. 

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 and Thursday, September 30, 2021

On April 20, 2020, Rockhurst University signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (The Act) of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The University subsequently received $816,281 of funds under The Act that was distributed in its entirety to eligible students in the form of Emergency Financial Aid Grants in 2020.

The University received $816,281 under the CRRSAA that was distributed in its entirety to 1,546 eligible students in the form of Emergency Financial Aid Grants in March 2021. For purposes of the CRRSAA, eligible students are those undergraduate and graduate students who were enrolled at least half-time in on-ground and/or online classes in the Spring 2021 semester. The University estimates that 2,544 students were eligible to receive a grant under the CRRSAA.

Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CRRSAA were awarded as follows:

•  Immediate, Need-based grants: These $200 - $625 grants were automatically distributed to those undergraduate and graduate students whose Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) on the 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) filing was at or below $30,000. The grant amount was determined on a sliding scale (below) based on the student’s EFC. Because these grants were automatic, there was no further action required by the grant recipients or their families.

The University will receive $2,487,616 under the ARP. The University intends to begin distributing the funds to eligible students in September 2021, at which time the number of eligible students and the distribution parameters will be established. The guidance provided by the University to its students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CRRSAA is below.

March 11, 2021

Dear Rockhurst University Students, 

On Dec. 27, 2020, a second round of federal aid to students was authorized through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to help offset the impact of the pandemic. Rockhurst University has received $816,000 to disburse to students who have the greatest financial need.  

Funds will automatically be disbursed within the next two weeks in the form of a check or direct deposit to students who qualify. No application is necessary. Students who are currently enrolled at least half time during the spring 2021 semester in a Rockhurst University program (including Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences programs) and who, according to their 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), have an expected family contribution (EFC) of zero to $30,000 will receive aid in amounts ranging from $200 to $625. Students in joint programs with Research College of Nursing and KCU are not eligible for the Rockhurst University student distribution but should check with RCN or KCU for eligibility within those institutions’ student distributions. 

Those enrolled in direct deposit will receive their funds sooner. If you are not already enrolled in direct deposit, you can do so by accessing Nelnet through the Rockhurst student portal. If you are unable to enroll in direct deposit, please ensure your mailing address is correct by visiting Rockweb, which is also accessible through the student portal. These updates must be made no later than the end of the day Tuesday, March 16, so that you can receive your funds promptly. 

If you do not meet the qualifications for these funds but are struggling financially, you can apply for assistance through Rockhurst’s Love in Action fund. This resource helps with food insecurity, funding for emergencies (e.g., utilities, transportation), access to refurbished laptops and more. 

We realize this academic year has been very challenging in a number of ways. We hope these funds will assist you as you look toward the second half of this semester. 

Good afternoon -

I recently announced that the University would be disbursing HEERF federal funds meant to help offset the impact of the pandemic to our students with the greatest financial need. Based on your expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by your 2020-2021 FAFSA, we have determined you will receive an HEERF student disbursement.  

If you are enrolled in direct deposit, the funds will be deposited in your account. If not, a check will be mailed to the address we have on file for you. If you are not already enrolled in direct deposit, you can do so by accessing Nelnet through the Rockhurst student portal. If you are unable to enroll in direct deposit, please ensure your mailing address is correct by visiting Rockweb, which is also accessible through the student portal. These updates must be made no later than the end of the day Tuesday, March 16, so that you can receive your funds promptly.  

You can expect to receive the funds in the next two weeks.