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COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUND

March 27, 2020

On March 27, 2020, the federal government signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Approximately $14 billion in funds were distributed to higher education institutions to support the expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants were made available as part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) established through the CARES Act stimulus package, stipulating that 50% of the funds be used as emergency grants for Title IV eligible students. On April 14, Southern Adventist University submitted the institution's Certification of Agreement and Application for federal funding under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act HEERF. On April 25, Southern received $1,221,905 in emergency grant funding from the US Department of Education and chose a hybrid approach to disburse the funds. 

In an effort to get emergency funds into the hands of students who were impacted as soon as possible, a formula was created based on students with a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file for the 2019-20 academic year. A total of 1,891 students were potentially eligible for funding through this program. The formula took into account the student's estimated family income and contributions, estimated travel expenses, living arrangements prior to the closure of campus on March 20, and food and supply costs.  Over 90% of the institution's CARES Act emergency grant funds were handed out through the formula method with amounts ranging from $250 to $1,300 per student. Within 30 days of receiving the emergency grant funding, Southern passed out $1,135,931 to over 1,300 students with the primary focus being on those in a high need category, as determined by the 2019-20 FAFSA. 

In addition to the formula method, the institution also created a COVID-19 Emergency Fund application. On April 30, students were notified of the availability of the application and were directed to apply no later than May 7, 2020. Students who automatically received funding from the formula method were allowed to apply for additional funding. 

As of August 6, all $1,221,905 has been passed out to 1,467 students. 

As a Minority Serving Institution, Southern also qualified for an additional $9,879 in funding under Section 18004(a)(2) of the CARES Act HEERF.  These funds were granted to a total of 30 minority students. 

In addition to the student funds, Southern also received institutional funding under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. For information regarding how the institutional piece is being used, please review the HEERF I Report. 

For questions regarding how funds were awarded or any other related inquiries, please reach out to the Student Finance Office by calling 423.236.2535 or email studentfinance@southern.edu. 

Examples

Examples of how these funds are assisting students and eligibility requirements are as follows:

  • Food 
  • Emergency housing needs (short-term housing, security deposits, help with utilities)
  • Essential academic needs (books, laptops, hot spots, supplies, etc.)
  • Healthcare (one-time/non-recurring expenses due to COVID-19)
  • Expenses related to dependents (childcare)
  • Expenses incurred when vacating the dorm (change of ticket, excess baggage fees, etc.)
  • Expenses incurred due to canceled uQuest or ERC mission trips, study tours, or an early return from Student Missionary or ACA programs
  • Other miscellaneous costs not included in the above categories 
  • Student must be a citizen or eligible noncitizen of the United States
  • Student must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements 
  • Student must have been enrolled in the Winter 2020 semester, part-time or full-time and previously on campus (online only students do not qualify) 
  • Student must demonstrate financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 

COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUND FAQ

If my parents lost their jobs due to COVID-19 or if I lost my on-campus job, can I receive funds from Southern’s federally funded COVID-19 Emergency Fund?
No, job loss or a decrease in work hours are not included in the U.S. Department of Education’s list of criteria to receive these funds; the list of specific needs which are eligible for funding can be found above.
Who qualifies for the federal funds that will be distributed to students?
Students who are enrolled at Southern at least part time, are permanent residents of the United States or US citizens, and are in good standing to receive federal financial aid were automatically qualified for help from the COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
How was the amount of money I received calculated?
The Student Finance team used the student’s expected family contribution (EFC) number, along with the student’s living situation prior to transitioning to distance learning to calculate the amount received. This took into account whether a student was in Southern housing vs. community housing as well as how many miles the individual would have had to travel in order to return home. No personal demographic information—such as age, gender, or race—were used in the decision-making process.
Is this funding above and beyond the refund that I already received for housing and meal plan?
Yes, these funds are from the federal government and are separate from the refunds you have already received on your account from Southern. They are also different from the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund, which is being made possible by generous Southern donors; more details about this donor-supported fund will be available in the coming weeks.
Can I choose how I want to receive the funds?

No, at this time, Student Finance plans to send all COVID-19 Emergency Fund payouts via direct deposit, but if we do not have a student’s bank information on file, then we will mail a check to the address listed on file.

What if I want to change the address I have on file?
Please email studentfinance@southern.edu with your change of address.
How can I find out what bank information Southern has on file for me right now?
You can verify your bank account information by emailinghr@southern.edu. However, please do not send your bank account information to this email address as it is not secure.
If we need more financial assistance due to the pandemic, how can we receive more help from the COVID-19 Emergency Fund?
If your pandemic-related expenses are greater than the amount you have currently received from Southern, please contact the Student Finance office.