CARES Act Reporting

UAFS CARES Act Response

Recently the Federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide support for businesses and people. Higher education institutions were included in the act, and the U.S. Department of Education was given the arduous task of determining a process for dividing the funds and providing guidance to colleges and universities. Through the act the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith was allocated a total of $5,511,303.

The act mandated that $2,755,651.50 of that money was to be provided directly to qualifying students under regulations provided to us by the Department of Education.

Chancellor Terisa Riley, however, elected to add an additional $1,135,000 toward direct-to-student aid.

Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding how UAFS students can obtain their CARES Act funding. For most students this aid will be direct deposited into your bank accounts around May 15. However, please double check this FAQ to be sure there is not more needed to claim your funds.

The university has also created a Resource Guide for adapting to online course delivery through the summer, navigating aid processes during the COVID-19 crisis, and to help meet your academic, health and wellness, digital engagement, technology, and financial needs. If you find yourself still needing help, that guide will direct you to the right place.

CARES Act Reporting

This is the final report for HEERF Section 18004(a)(1) Student Portion. As of Sept. 30, 2020, all funds have been expended. (Updated Oct. 9, 2020)

Item #3

The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day report and every 45 days thereafter).
$3,191,307.37
$2,755,652 came from the student portion and $435,655.37 came from the institutional portion.

Item #4

The estimated total number of students at the institution 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 Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
Approximately 4,140 students eligible to participate

Item #5

The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
3,429 total students received awards