The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provided federal funding to support higher education students and institutions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Southern Arkansas University received and distributed funds across three rounds of HEERF legislation between 2020 and 2024. This page documents SAU’s receipt, distribution, and quarterly reporting for each fund.
HEERF I: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)
Southern Arkansas University received the following HEERF I funds:
- Student Grants Funding: $2,012,806
- Institutional Funding: $2,012,807
Student Grant Distributions
SAU created an application for HEERF I funds. Grants were made available to undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students who were enrolled at half time or above in the spring 2020 semester and who were eligible to apply for Title IV funds. Per Department of Education guidance, students enrolled exclusively in distance learning programs were excluded. All applicants were required to certify that they had incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, including costs related to food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare.
SAU prioritized students with demonstrated financial need and assigned grant amounts to remaining eligible students based on projected disruption costs. Award amounts ranged from $300 to $700 and were distributed to 3,162 students. Checks were issued to all eligible students in accordance with Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act on May 18, 2020.
Quarterly Reporting
HEERF II: Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA)
Southern Arkansas University received the following HEERF II funds:
- Student Grants Funding: $4,621,337
- Institutional Funding: $2,012,807
Student Grant Distributions
No application or certification was required for HEERF II student grants. Funds were made available to undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students enrolled at half time or above in the spring 2021 semester who were eligible to apply for Title IV funds. SAU prioritized students with demonstrated financial need and assigned grant amounts to remaining eligible students based on projected disruption costs. Award amounts ranged from $300 to $700 and were added directly to students’ financial aid packages. Students whose grants were accepted could choose to apply the award toward an outstanding account balance or to receive a check directly. (Distribution Instructions)
As of December 31, 2021, 1,966 students had applied the award to balances owed and 1,352 students had elected to receive a check directly.
Quarterly Reporting
HEERF III: American Rescue Plan (ARP)
Southern Arkansas University received the following HEERF III funds:
- Student Grants Funding: $5,770,108
- Institutional Funding: $5,572,587
Student Grant Distributions
No application or certification was required for HEERF III student grants. Funds were made available to undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students enrolled at half time or above who were eligible to apply for Title IV funds. SAU prioritized students with demonstrated financial need and assigned grant amounts to remaining eligible students based on projected disruption costs. Award amounts ranged from $300 to $700 and were added to students’ financial aid packages. Students whose grants were accepted could choose to apply the award toward an outstanding account balance or to receive a check directly.
As of March 31, 2023, 6,258 awards had been applied to student account balances and 4,815 checks had been issued directly to students.
Quarterly Reporting
- Quarter Ending 09-30-21
- Quarter Ending 12-31-21
- Quarter Ending 03-31-22
- Quarter Ending 06-30-22 | Revised
- Quarter Ending 09-30-22 | Revised
- Quarter Ending 12-31-22 | Revised
- Quarter Ending 03-31-23 | Revised
- Quarter Ending 06-30-23 | Revised
- Quarter Ending 09-30-23 | Revised
- Quarter Ending 12-31-23 | Revised
- Quarter Ending 03-31-24 | Revised
