August 1, 2022
Based on recent guidance from the CDC and in alignment with many other educational institutions, for Fall 2022 we will move from an active case-management approach to a personal management approach for COVID-19 cases.
What does a “personal management approach” mean?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Academic Year 2022-2023
Given the changing circumstances of this virus, these policies, protocols and processes are subject to change. Please look for emails and check the FAQ frequently for updates.
The COVID vaccine is not required* — but is strongly recommended to help keep our community safe. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and our community from COVID-19.
*It is important to note that some academic programs have clinical site placements and require vaccination in order to be permitted onsite for the clinical experience. The College must follow all requirements established by these clinical placement sites. Students should contact their program director if they have any questions.
The College will maintain our mask-optional policy. However:
We expect all requests for masking to be honored. Faculty and staff will make every effort to provide advanced notice of these requests. Please keep a mask with you for quick compliance if needed. A limited supply of masks will be kept in the pantry for those with limited resources.
Social distancing will not be required. Classrooms and all spaces on campus will be back to full capacity.
No. We will rely on each member of the campus community to respond appropriately to exposures and positive test results in accordance with CDC guidelines. Symptoms of COVID-19 | CDC
If you develop symptoms of COVD-19, please follow CDC guidelines: What to Do If You Are Sick | CDC
We will no longer be doing independent contact tracing. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please follow the CDC guidelines: COVID-19 Contact Tracing | CDC
According to the CDC, a close contact exposure is when you are within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. See: How to Determine a Close Contact for COVID-19 | CDC
If you test positive for COVID-19, you are expected to isolate and notify close contacts, using the guidance offered by the CDC. See: How to Talk to Close Contacts | CDC
Students:
Employees:
See “What do I do if I have to quarantine or isolate?” for more.
Students:
The full Attendance & COVID-19 policy can be found on the Syllabus course in Canvas.
Employees:
We will NO LONGER be doing independent contact tracing, unless an outbreak in a residence hall requires it.
* Students with external learning experiences should report their positive cases to their preceptor and/or their CCC field supervisor.
We are no longer administering surveillance testing.
Requirements for surveillance testing of athletes is subject to the requirements of the NCAA and/or the appropriate athletic conference. Athletes should direct questions regarding athletic COVID protocols to the Athletics Department or the athletic training staff.
No. Students* are no longer required to report their vaccination status. However, students and employees can send a picture of their vaccine card (front and back with name and dates clearly visible) to vaccinationcard@cedarcrest.edu. This information will be kept confidential and will be used to help provide the College with vaccination data for future decision making.
*Student-athletes and students enrolled in programs with clinical placements may have different requirements for vaccinations. Please check with your coach or program director.
Please follow all CDC guidelines regarding international travel: Travel | CDC
Please follow all CDC guidelines for international air travel here: Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Immigrants: Travel to and from the United States | CDC
No, students are not required to take a COVID-19 re-entry test.
Both Canova Commons and the Falcon’s Nest will be fully operational this fall. Mobile ordering remains in place in the Falcon’s Nest and to-go containers will continue to be provided to students on the dining plan.
Yes. Clubs and organizations must use Astra to schedule meetings and events. You can contact the Office of Student Activities and Campus Recreation at osa@cedarcrest.edu for more information.
Guidance for student-athletes will be determined by the NCAA and our athletic conference. The Athletic Department will notify student-athletes of athletic policies as they become available.
If you are learning at an off-campus fieldwork site, like a school or hospital, you should follow the masking policy, isolation, and other COVID-19 policies of the site.
Like with any other absence for illness, you should communicate directly with your professors if you miss classes for reasons related to COVID-19.
If you are absent for a high-stakes event — such as a midterm or final exam; for 2 or more consecutive class meetings (or 1 class meeting for accelerated weekend classes or classes that meet once-per-week) — faculty may require you to obtain absence notification through the Dean of Students. If your professors ask for an Absence Verification, you may request one online. /p>
Yes, students will be permitted to have non-Cedar Crest visitors in the residence halls.
No, our campus is mask optional.
No. Residential students will be able to fully utilize spaces in the residence halls.
If you test positive for COVID-19 and choose to remain in your room during your isolation period, you are permitted to leave to get meals and use restroom facilities.
Dear Cedar Crest students,
I am pleased to announce that Cedar Crest is able to offer a limited number of emergency grants to help students who have experienced unexpected financial expenses due to the pandemic. If you have experienced unexpected financial challenges such as job loss, food or housing insecurity, or reduced wages, and need financial assistance for any component related to the cost of College attendance or for emergency costs, such as tuition, food, housing, healthcare, and childcare, I invite you to complete the HEERF Emergency Aid Application.
To apply for this emergency grant, you must submit an application by 4pm on Wednesday, January 11 2023.
For more information about the HEERF III emergency grants, eligibility, and the application process, please click here to see the FAQs. If you have additional questions, please let me know.
Take care,
Calley
Calley Stevens Taylor, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Success and Engagement and Dean of Students
Dear Cedar Crest College Community,
Here is a short video regarding our COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming academic year:
Briefly, we will move from an active case-management approach to COVID-19 cases to a personal management approach. Simply put, we will rely on each of you to respond appropriately to exposures and positive test results in accordance with CDC guidelines. Those guidelines are attached here for your review and reference.
What does a “personal management approach” mean? It means:
We have developed a significantly revised FAQ to answer all of your questions about our COVID-19 protocols: https://www.cedarcrest.edu/covid-19.
It remains important to continue to try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, with new variants emerging every few months. Vaccines and boosters remain our most powerful tool against serious illness and hospitalization. For that reason, I am pleased to announce the LVHN will hold a vaccine/booster clinic at Cedar Crest College on August 31, from 3-7 p.m. Pre-registration will be required.
Working together, we have been very successful in keeping our community as safe as possible through this time. I know that we will continue to keep safe and well under this new approach.
Sincerely,
Dr. Elizabeth M. Meade
President
Cedar Crest College
4.10.2023—HEERF Institutional, Student Aid & SIP Quarterly Report – March 2023
1.6.2023—HEERF Institutional, Student Aid & SIP Quarterly Report – December 2022
9.30.2022—HEERF Institutional, Student Aid & SIP Quarterly Report – October 2022
4.11.2022—HEERF III Student Aid Quarterly Report – March 2022
Cedar Crest College
PR/Award No. P425E200805 (HEERF III)
Report No. 4: Quarterly Report
Introduction
On March 11, 2021, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) was authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2 and signed into law. This report provides details on the award Cedar Crest College received under the ARP for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification
Cedar Crest College, reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020 for the initial HEERF I award under the CARES Act. The College received the new award documentation for the HEERF III award on May 18, 2021.
Total Award
Cedar Crest College will receive a total of $2,021,607 for distribution to students impacted by campus disruptions due to the novel coronavirus.
Funds Distributed to Date
As of the close of business on March 31, 2022, Cedar Crest College has awarded $2,005,240 in direct grants to students.
Student Eligibility and Recipients to Date
The total number of Cedar Crest College students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and therefore eligible to receive ARP emergency financial aid grants is 1300. Of those students, 1,084 have received an award as of March 31, 2022.
Methods Used to Determine which Students Receive Aid and How Much
The College carefully reviewed the American Rescue Plan and the guidance provided by the United States Department of Education specifically to determine the requirements applicable for the distribution of the available emergency resources to students. The ARP Act provided emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants to be used for expenses related to the following:
The distribution of funds was based upon exceptional financial need. In order to determine financial need, the College used information gathered to assess financial need with a priority being given to students who are PELL eligible. Students who had experienced a loss in income due to the loss of employment as a result of the pandemic were eligible for additional aid and were encouraged to reach out directly to Student Financial Services.
On or before February 4, 2022, the College distributed HEERF III emergency grants to students who are actively enrolled for Spring 2022 semester in a degree- or certificate-seeking program as of that date. Emergency grants were not be provided to the following in accordance with the guidance issued and based upon the College’s assessment of exceptional financial need:
Students who met the requirements above, and who have completed the required form by January 28, 2022, will receive a one-time emergency grant in the form of direct deposit or check as follows:
A second emergency grant was provided to the above eligible students in the amount of $330 on or before March 11, 2022.
The College has committed to utilizing all of the available student emergency funds in accordance with the CRRSAA Act and pertinent guidance.
Grants will be paid via application to the students account, electronic funds transfer (where possible) or via check.
Instructions of Directions Given to Students
The following messages were communicated to students via e-mail.
Subject: COVID-19 HEERF III Student Grant Distribution
Date: January 18, 2022
Dear Students:
We are pleased to provide information regarding the distribution of Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the federal government’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 that was passed on May 11, 2021. The ARP Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the following:
Cedar Crest has reviewed the guidance from the U.S. Department of Education for distributing the student portion of funds and is adhering to the request that distribution of funds should be based upon exceptional financial need. In order to determine financial need, the College will use information gathered to assess financial need with a priority being given to students who are PELL eligible. Students who have experienced a loss in income due to the loss of employment as a result of the pandemic may be eligible for additional aid and should reach out directly to Student Financial Services.
On or before February 4, 2022, the College will distribute HEERF III emergency grants to students who are actively enrolled for Spring 2022 semester in a degree- or certificate-seeking program as of that date. Emergency grants will not be provided to the following in accordance with the guidance issued and based upon the College’s assessment of exceptional financial need:
Students who meet the requirements above, and who have completed the required form by January 28, 2022, will receive a one-time emergency grant in the form of direct deposit or check as follows:
Grants will be released on or about February 4, 2022. All students must complete the HEERF III Affidavit Form located on the My.CedarCrest home page in order to receive this distribution. This form is required in order to be in compliance with federal law established under HEERF III. Students who have not completed the form will not receive the distribution until it is completed, which will delay access to these emergency grants. HEERF III also provides students with the option to use the emergency grant to help assist with outstanding student account balances. Though students are not required to use these funds to pay outstanding balances, they may choose to do so by electing their preference on the HEERF III Affidavit Form. HEERF III funds are not guaranteed and will be awarded in compliance with the outline above until all funds have been exhausted.
Additional information will be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm. For questions regarding the ARP Act emergency grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
Subject: HEERF III Additional Distribution
Date: March 2, 2022
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for prompt response regarding available emergency financial aid grants through the federal government’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 that was passed on May 11, 2021. Because you were eligible to receive the first allocation you are now eligible to receive an additional $330 in emergency financial aid grants. This distribution will occur on or before March 11, 2022 using the information provided in the HEERF III Affidavit Form. The distribution method will be the same as the first allocation of HEERF III emergency grants.
You are not required to do anything additional. As a reminder, the ARP Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the following:
Additional information will be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm. For questions regarding the ARP Act emergency grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
1.18.2022—COVID-19 HEERF III Student Grant Distribution
Dear Students:
We are pleased to provide information regarding the distribution of Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the federal government’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 that was passed on May 11, 2021. The ARP Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the following:
Cedar Crest has reviewed the guidance from the U.S. Department of Education for distributing the student portion of funds and is adhering to the request that distribution of funds should be based upon exceptional financial need. In order to determine financial need, the College will use information gathered to assess financial need with a priority being given to students who are Pell eligible. Students who have experienced a loss in income due to the loss of employment as a result of the pandemic may be eligible for additional aid and should reach out directly to Student Financial Services.
On or before February 4, 2022, the College will distribute HEERF III emergency grants to students who are actively enrolled for the Spring 2022 semester in a degree- or certificate-seeking program as of that date. Emergency grants will not be provided to the following in accordance with the guidance issued and based upon the College’s assessment of exceptional financial need:
Students who meet the requirements above, and who have completed the required form by January 28, 2022, will receive a one-time emergency grant in the form of direct deposit or check as follows:
Grants will be released on or about February 4, 2022. All students must complete the HEERF III Affidavit Form located on the My.CedarCrest home page in order to receive this distribution.This form is required in order to be in compliance with federal law established under HEERF III. Students who have not completed the form will not receive the distribution until it is completed, which will delay access to these emergency grants. HEERF III also provides students with the option to use the emergency grant to help assist with outstanding student account balances. Though students are not required to use these funds to pay outstanding balances, they may choose to do so by electing their preference on the HEERF III Affidavit Form. HEERF III funds are not guaranteed and will be awarded in compliance with the outline above until all funds have been exhausted.
Additional information will be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm. For questions regarding the ARP Act emergency grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
Sincerely,
Dr. Elizabeth M. Meade
President
Cedar Crest College
1.5.2022—HEERF III Student Aid Quarterly Report - December 2021
Cedar Crest College
PR/Award No. P425E200805 (HEERF III)
Report No. 3: Quarterly Report
Introduction
On March 11, 2021, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) was authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2 and signed into law. This report provides details on the award Cedar Crest College received under the ARP for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification
Cedar Crest College, reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020 for the initial HEERF I award under the CARES Act. The College received the new award documentation for the HEERF III award on May 18, 2021.
Total Award
Cedar Crest College will receive a total of $2,021,607 for distribution to students impacted by campus disruptions due to the novel coronavirus.
Funds Distributed to Date
As of the close of business on December 31, 2021, Cedar Crest College has not yet awarded direct grants to students using these funds. The College is currently analyzing how to best provide this aid to students.
Student Eligibility and Recipients to Date
The College is currently identifying the total number of Cedar Crest College students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and therefore eligible to receive ARP emergency financial aid grants. As such, no students have received an award from these funds as of December 31, 2021.
Methods Used to Determine which Students Receive Aid and How Much
The College is currently analyzing the best method to distribute these available resources to eligible students.
Instructions of Directions Given to Students
The College will announce instructions on the distribution amounts for eligible students as soon as they are available. This announcement, including any instructions, will be made via email to students as well as posted on our website at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm.
10.8.2021—HEERF III Student Aid Quarterly Report - September 2021
Cedar Crest College
PR/Award No. P425E200805 (HEERF III)
Report No. 2: Quarterly Report
Introduction
On March 11, 2021, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) was authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2 and signed into law. This report provides details on the award Cedar Crest College received under the ARP for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification
Cedar Crest College, reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020 for the initial HEERF I award under the CARES Act. The College received the new award documentation for the HEERF III award on May 18, 2021.
Total Award
Cedar Crest College will receive a total of $2,021,607 for distribution to students impacted by campus disruptions due to the novel coronavirus.
Funds Distributed to Date
As of the close of business on September 30, 2021, Cedar Crest College has not yet awarded direct grants to students using these funds. The College is currently analyzing how to best provide this aid to students.
Student Eligibility and Recipients to Date
The College is currently identifying the total number of Cedar Crest College students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and therefore eligible to receive ARP emergency financial aid grants. As such, no students have received an award from these funds as of September 30, 2021.
Methods Used to Determine which Students Receive Aid and How Much
The College is currently analyzing the best method to distribute these available resources to eligible students.
Instructions of Directions Given to Students
The College will announce instructions on the distribution amounts for eligible students as soon as they are available. This announcement, including any instructions, will be made via email to students as well as posted on our website at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm.
7.8.2021—HEERF III Quarterly Report – June 2021
Cedar Crest College
PR/Award No. P425E200805 (HEERF III)
Report No. 1: Quarterly Report
Introduction
On March 11, 2021, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) was authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2 and signed into law. This report provides details on the award Cedar Crest College received under the ARP for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification
Cedar Crest College, reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020 for the initial HEERF I award under the CARES Act. The College received the new award documentation for the HEERF III award on May 18, 2021.
Total Award
Cedar Crest College will receive a total of $2,021,607 for distribution to students impacted by campus disruptions due to the novel coronavirus.
Funds Distributed to Date
As of the close of business on June 30, 2021, Cedar Crest College has not yet awarded direct grants to students using these funds. The College is currently analyzing how to best provide this aid to students.
Student Eligibility and Recipients to Date
The College is currently identifying the total number of Cedar Crest College students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and therefore eligible to receive ARP emergency financial aid grants. As such, no students have received an award from these funds as of June 30, 2021.
Methods Used to Determine which Students Receive Aid and How Much
The College is currently analyzing the best method to distribute these available resources to eligible students.
Instructions of Directions Given to Students
The College will announce instructions on the distribution amounts for eligible students as soon as they are available. This announcement, including any instructions, will be made via email to students as well as posted on our website at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm.
7.8.2021—CRRSAA Quarterly Report – June 2021
Cedar Crest College
PR/Award No. P425E200805 (HEERF II/CRRSAA)
Report No. 2: Quarterly Report
Introduction
On December 27, 2020, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) was authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and signed into law. This report provides details on the award Cedar Crest College received under the CRRSAA for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification
Cedar Crest College, reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020 for the initial HEERF I award under the CARES Act. The College received the new award documentation for the CRRSAA award on January 20, 2021.
Total Award
Cedar Crest College will receive a total of $763, 209 for distribution to students impacted by campus disruptions due to the novel coronavirus.
Funds Distributed to Date
As of the close of business on June 30, 2021, Cedar Crest College has awarded $763,209.00 in direct grants to students.
Student Eligibility and Recipients to Date
The total number of Cedar Crest College students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and therefore eligible to receive CRRSAA emergency financial aid grants is 1,245. Of those students, 892 have received an award as of June 30, 2021.
Methods Used to Determine which Students Receive Aid and How Much
The College carefully reviewed the CRRSAA Act and the guidance provided by the United States Department of Education specifically to determine the requirements applicable for the distribution of the available emergency resources to students. The CRRSAA Act provided funding to institutions to provide emergency grants to students using the same model established through the CARES Act. CRRSAA made several changes that differ from the CARES Act such as allowing more flexibility on the allowable uses of funds. Students may use the grant toward the following expenses:
Students receiving HEERF II funding must acknowledge that the receipt of such funds will be used for the allowable costs noted above.
In order for the College to determine financial need, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the College required a completed 2020-2021 FAFSA to be on file for the spring 2021 term. Students who did not have a FAFSA on file would be permitted to submit a FAFSA to determine financial need.
The College will distribute HEERF II emergency grants to students who are actively enrolled in a degree- or certificate-seeking program as of March 24, 2021 using the FAFSA information submitted to prioritize those students with exceptional financial need. The College has determined that students with exceptional financial need are students who qualify as Pell-eligible. Eligible students are required to complete the HEERF II Affidavit Form electronically indicating that the funds will be used for allowable costs noted above as well as indicate to the College the preference of a direct distribution of funds or an application of funds to an outstanding student balance.
Students who met the requirements above, and who have completed the required form by April 16, 2021, will be provided a one-time emergency grant as follows:
Emergency grants will not be provided to the following in accordance with the guidance issued and based upon the College’s assessment of exceptional financial need:
The College has committed to utilizing all of the available student emergency funds in accordance with the CRRSAA Act and pertinent guidance.
Grants will be paid via application to the students account, electronic funds transfer (where possible) or via check.
Instructions of Directions Given to Students
The following message was communicated to students via e-mail on March 19, 2021:
Subject: CRRSAA HEERF II Grant Information for students
Dear Students,
We are pleased to provide information regarding the distribution of Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the federal government’s Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSAA) Act that was passed on December 27, 2020. The CRRSAA Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the following:
Cedar Crest has reviewed the guidance from the U.S. Department of Education for distributing the student portion of funds and is adhering to the request that distribution of funds should be based upon exceptional financial need. In order for the College to determine financial need, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, a completed 2020-2021 FAFSA must be on file for the spring 2021 term. If you do not have a FAFSA on file, you can still file the FAFSA. As long as HEERF II funds are available, we will review your financial aid file as part of the request process. Additional documentation may need to be provided in order to establish your eligibility.
On or before March 24, 2021, the College will distribute HEERF II emergency grants to students who are actively enrolled in a degree- or certificate-seeking program as of that date. Emergency grants will not be provided to the following in accordance with the guidance issued and based upon the College’s assessment of exceptional financial need:
Students who meet the requirements above, and who have completed the required form by April 16, 2021, will receive a one-time emergency grant in the form of direct deposit or check as follows:
Grants will be released on or about March 24, 2021. All students must complete the HEERF II Affidavit Form located on the My.CedarCrest home page in order to receive this distribution. This form is required in order to be in compliance with federal law established under HEERF II. Students who have not completed the form will not receive the distribution until it is completed, which will delay access to these emergency grants. HEERF II also provides students with the option to use the emergency grant to help assist with outstanding student account balances. Though students are not required to use these funds to pay outstanding balances, they may choose to do so by electing their preference on the HEERF II Affidavit Form.
As we move forward, additional information will be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm. For questions regarding the CRRSAA Act emergency grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
The following message was communicated to students via e-mail on June 11, 2021:
Dear Students,
Students who were enrolled in the spring 2021 semester who submitted the required documentation (HEERF II Affidavit and FAFSA) by the required deadline of April 16, 2021 (with an extension through May 23, 2021), and who are currently enrolled in the summer 2021 or fall 2021 semesters as of June 9, 2021, who meet the criteria below are eligible to receive an additional one-time HEERF II grant in the form of direct deposit or check in the amount of $290.
We are pleased to provide information regarding an additional distribution of Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the federal government’s Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) that was passed on December 27, 2020. The CRRSAA Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the following:
In spring 2021, the College made its initial distribution of these funds to eligible students under the guidance received from the U.S. Department of Education. The distribution of funds must be based upon exceptional financial need. In order for the College to determine financial need, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, a completed 2020-2021 FAFSA must be on file for the spring 2021 term. Students who are actively enrolled in a degree or certificate-seeking program during spring 2021 are eligible.
Emergency grants will not be provided to the following in accordance with the guidance issued and based upon the College’s assessment of exceptional financial need:
In order to fully utilize the resources provided under this Act, the College will distribute the following one-time HEERF II grant, to eligible students who have met the criteria and completed and submitted the HEERF II Affidavit form, in the form of direct deposit or check in the amount of $290.
Grants will be released on or about June 18, 2021.
Further information can be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm. For questions regarding the CRRSAA Act emergency grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
6.11.2021—COVID-19 – CRRSAA/HEERF II Student Grant Communication
Dear Students,
Students who were enrolled in the spring 2021 semester who submitted the required documentation (HEERF II Affidavit and FAFSA) by the required deadline of April 16, 2021 (with an extension through May 23, 2021), and who are currently enrolled in the summer 2021 or fall 2021 semesters as of June 9, 2021, who meet the criteria below are eligible to receive an additional one-time HEERF II grant in the form of direct deposit or check in the amount of $290.
We are pleased to provide information regarding an additional distribution of Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the federal government’s Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) that was passed on December 27, 2020. The CRRSAA Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the following:
In spring 2021, the College made its initial distribution of these funds to eligible students under the guidance received from the U.S. Department of Education. The distribution of funds must be based upon exceptional financial need. In order for the College to determine financial need, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, a completed 2020-2021 FAFSA must be on file for the spring 2021 term. Students who are actively enrolled in a degree or certificate-seeking program during spring 2021 are eligible.
Emergency grants will not be provided to the following in accordance with the guidance issued and based upon the College’s assessment of exceptional financial need:
In order to fully utilize the resources provided under this Act, the College will distribute the following one-time HEERF II grant, to eligible students who have met the criteria and completed and submitted the HEERF II Affidavit form, in the form of direct deposit or check in the amount of $290.
Grants will be released on or about June 18, 2021.
Further information can be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm. For questions regarding the CRRSAA Act emergency grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
Sincerely,
Dr. Elizabeth M. Meade
President
Cedar Crest College
4.8.2021— CARES Act Quarterly Report – April 2020
Cedar Crest College PR/Award No. P425E200805
Report No. 6: Quarterly Report
Introduction
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provides emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education "to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus." This report provides details on the first award Cedar Crest College received under the HEERF, the funds for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification
Cedar Crest College, reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education's Certification and Agreement for these funds on April 13, 2020, and we received our grant award notification on April 22, 2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Cedar Crest College will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(l) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants directly to students.
Total Award
Cedar Crest College will receive a total of $1,526,417 under Section 18004(a)(l) of the HEERF, of which at least $763,209 will be provided directly to students impacted by campus disruptions due to the novel coronavirus.
Funds Distributed to Date
As of the close of business on March 31, 2021, Cedar Crest College has awarded $763,209.00 in direct grants to students.
Student Eligibility and Recipients to Date
The total number of Cedar Crest College students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and therefore eligible to receive CARES Act emergency financial aid grants is 936. Of those students, 829 have received an award as of March 31, 2021.
Methods Used to Determine which Students Receive Aid and How Much
The College carefully reviewed the CARES Act and the guidance provided by the United States Department of Education specifically to determine the requirements applicable for the distribution of the available emergency resources to students. The CARES Act provided each institution with significant discretion on how to award the emergency assistance. The only statutory requirement was that the funds be used by students to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Shortly after releasing these funds to educational institutions, additional guidance was provided by the Department of Education clarifying eligibility of students. Under these newly issued guidelines, "only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants. If a student has filed a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then the student has demonstrated eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 in the HEA."
In order to determine eligibility of students under the above guidelines, the College utilized the 2019-20 FAFSA's submitted by current students enrolled for the spring 2020 semester to determine eligibility. International students, undocumented students, DACA students, fully online students prior to the issuance of the CARES Act, auditing students, visiting students, students receiving tuition remission, students who withdrew or took a leave of absence on or before May 27, 2020, students with unsatisfactory academic progress and students who graduated the College as of May 9, 2020 have been deemed ineligible for this emergency grant.
Students who did not submit a 2019/20 FAFSA, but who are eligible to file a FAFSA, may be eligible to receive a grant allocation, but are required to submit the attached form no later than June 17, 2020. Students completing the attestation form will be required to confirm that they meet the requirements to participate in programs under Section 484 of the HEA and, therefore, may be eligible for the emergency grant. Students who did not submit a completed FAFSA for 2019/20 and who now complete the application are not guaranteed the allocation set forth in this Report as the funding received by the College may have already been disbursed.
The College has committed to utilizing all of the available student emergency funds in accordance with the CARES Act and pertinent guidance.
The College's review determined that all students have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the disruption it has caused to their education, housing, food, technology, course materials, health/child care and other costs. Based upon its analysis, the College determined that its residential students were impacted most significantly due to COVID-19. In this regard, the abrupt closure to our campus as required by the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania left residential students with additional unplanned costs during the middle of their academic semester. Additionally, some of these costs were borne by our commuter students who had to transition to an online academic platform, including adjusting to all of the technology needs that arise with that modality. The College understands that these are much needed resources that will positively
Methods Used to Determine which Students Receive Aid and How Much
Students who met the above criteria, as of May 27, 2020, will be provided the following one-time emergency grant allocation:
Resident Student: $1,000
Commuter Student: $700
The College has determined that such expenses also include costs related to summer study abroad trips which have not been refunded or reimbursed to eligible students as a result of cancellation by third party providers. If a student was impacted by the cancelation of a summer study abroad trip which has not been refunded or reimbursed, they are required to submit the attached application and required documentation no later than June 17, 2020. There is no guarantee of funding for such requests as the proceeds will be distributed until exhausted as set forth herein.
Grants will be paid via electronic funds transfer (where possible) or via check.
In order to fully utilize the resources provided under this Act, the College also distributed funding to eligible students in fall 2020 in a similar manner with allocations to residential students of $100 and to commuter students of $75. The messaging used to convey this additional distribution to students can be found in the following section.
Instructions of Directions Given to Students
The following message was communicated to students via e-mail on May 21, 2020:
Subject: COVID-19 CARES Act Emergency Grant Information
Dear Students:
We are pleased to provide information regarding the distribution of Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the federal government's Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Cedar Crest recently received notification of the amount it would receive under this legislation and has reviewed the guidance from the U.S. Department of Education for distributing the portion of those funds mandated to go directly to eligible students, who must have filed a completed 2019/20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Under the eligibility requirements defined by the Department of Education, the following students are ineligible to receive emergency grants:
Students who meet eligibility requirements as of May 27, 2020, will receive a one-time emergency grant in the form of direct deposit or check as follows:
Grants will be released on May 27, 2020. Students who did not submit a 2019/20 FAFSA, but who are eligible to file a FAFSA, may be eligible to receive a grant allocation, but are required to submit the attached form ("HEERF Affidavit Form") no later than June 17, 2020.
We realize that some students may have been affected by costs related to summer study abroad trips that were canceled by third party providers. Eligible students impacted by the cancellation of a summer study abroad trip which has not been refunded or reimbursed can submit the attached application ("Summer Study Abroad Trips HEERF Application") and required documentation no later than June 17, 2020 for possible funding.
Additionally, students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for a HEERF grant may apply for possible assistance through the College's internal COVID-19 Emergency Fund by contacting Kyle Dailey, Dean of Students, at kyle.dailey@cedarcrest.edu.
A detailed report outlining the process for the CARES Act funds distribution can be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm . For questions regarding the CARES Act emergency grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
The following message was communicated to students via e-mail on November 23, 2020:
Dear Students,
We are pleased to provide information regarding an additional distribution of Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the federal government's Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis.
In spring 2020, the College made its initial distribution of these funds to eligible students under the guidance received from the U.S. Department of Education. To be eligible, a student must have filed and completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have been enrolled in the spring 2020 and fall 2020 semester. In order to fully utilize the resources provided under this Act, the College will distribute the following one-time HEERF grant, to eligible students, in the form of direct deposit or check as follows:
Under the eligibility requirements defined by the Department of Education, the following students are
ineligible to receive HEERF emergency grants:
Grants will be released no later than November 29, 2020.
A detailed report outlining the process for the CARES Act funds distribution can be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm. For questions regarding the CARES Act HEERF grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
3.12.2021—COVID-19 – CRRSAA/HEERF II Student Grant Communication
Dear Students:
We are pleased to provide information regarding the distribution of Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the federal government’s Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSAA) Act that was passed on December 27, 2020. The CRRSAA Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the following:
Cedar Crest has reviewed the guidance from the U.S. Department of Education for distributing the student portion of funds and is adhering to the request that distribution of funds should be based upon exceptional financial need. In order for the College to determine financial need, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, a completed 2020-2021 FAFSA must be on file for the spring 2021 term. If you do not have a FAFSA on file, you can still file the FAFSA. As long as HEERF II funds are available, we will review your financial aid file as part of the request process. Additional documentation may need to be provided in order to establish your eligibility.
On or before March 24, 2021, the College will distribute HEERF II emergency grants to students who are actively enrolled in a degree- or certificate-seeking program as of that date. Emergency grants will not be provided to the following in accordance with the guidance issued and based upon the College’s assessment of exceptional financial need:
Students who meet the requirements above, and who have completed the required form by April 16, 2021, will receive a one-time emergency grant in the form of direct deposit or check as follows:
Grants will be released on or about March 24, 2021. All students must complete the HEERF II Affidavit Form located on the My.CedarCrest home page in order to receive this distribution. This form is required in order to be in compliance with federal law established under HEERF II. Students who have not completed the form will not receive the distribution until it is completed, which will delay access to these emergency grants. HEERF II also provides students with the option to use the emergency grant to help assist with outstanding student account balances. Though students are not required to use these funds to pay outstanding balances, they may choose to do so by electing their preference on the HEERF II Affidavit Form.
As we move forward, additional information will be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm. For questions regarding the CRRSAA Act emergency grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
Sincerely,
Dr. Elizabeth M. Meade
President
Cedar Crest College
COVID-19 – CRRSAA/HEERF II Student Grant Communication [pdf]
1.7.2021—CARES Act Quarterly Report – January 2020
Cedar Crest College
PR/Award No. P425E200805
Report No. 5: Quarterly Report
Introduction
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provides emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” This report provides details on the first award Cedar Crest College received under the HEERF, the funds for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Acknowledgement of Funding and Certification
Cedar Crest College, reviewed, signed, and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s Certification and Agreement for these funds on April 13, 2020, and we received our grant award notification on April 22, 2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Cedar Crest College will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants directly to students.
Total Award
Cedar Crest College will receive a total of $1,526,417 under Section 18004(a)(1) of the HEERF, of which at least $763,209 will be provided directly to students impacted by campus disruptions due to the novel coronavirus.
Funds Distributed to Date
As of the close of business on December 31, 2020, Cedar Crest College has awarded $752,377.13 in direct grants to students.
Student Eligibility and Recipients to Date
The total number of Cedar Crest College students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and therefore eligible to receive CARES Act emergency financial aid grants is 936. Of those students, 829 have received an award as of December 31, 2020.
Methods Used to Determine which Students Receive Aid and How Much
The College carefully reviewed the CARES Act and the guidance provided by the United States Department of Education specifically to determine the requirements applicable for the distribution of the available emergency resources to students. The CARES Act provided each institution with significant discretion on how to award the emergency assistance. The only statutory requirement was that the funds be used by students to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Shortly after releasing these funds to educational institutions, additional guidance was provided by the Department of Education clarifying eligibility of students. Under these newly issued guidelines, “only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants. If a student has filed a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then the student has demonstrated eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 in the HEA.”
In order to determine eligibility of students under the above guidelines, the College utilized the 2019-20 FAFSA’s submitted by current students enrolled for the spring 2020 semester to determine eligibility. International students, undocumented students, DACA students, fully online students prior to the issuance of the CARES Act, auditing students, visiting students, students receiving tuition remission, students who withdrew or took a leave of absence on or before May 27, 2020, students with unsatisfactory academic progress and students who graduated the College as of May 9, 2020 have been deemed ineligible for this emergency grant.
Students who did not submit a 2019/20 FAFSA, but who are eligible to file a FAFSA, may be eligible to receive a grant allocation, but are required to submit the attached form no later than June 17, 2020. Students completing the attestation form will be required to confirm that they meet the requirements to participate in programs under Section 484 of the HEA and, therefore, may be eligible for the emergency grant. Students who did not submit a completed FAFSA for 2019/20 and who now complete the application are not guaranteed the allocation set forth in this Report as the funding received by the College may have already been disbursed.
The College has committed to utilizing all of the available student emergency funds in accordance with the CARES Act and pertinent guidance.
The College’s review determined that all students have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the disruption it has caused to their education, housing, food, technology, course materials, health/child care and other costs. Based upon its analysis, the College determined that its residential students were impacted most significantly due to COVID-19. In this regard, the abrupt closure to our campus as required by the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania left residential students with additional unplanned costs during the middle of their academic semester. Additionally, some of these costs were borne by our commuter students who had to transition to an online academic platform, including adjusting to all of the technology needs that arise with that modality. The College understands that these are much needed resources that will positively impact their persistence towards their college degree. Therefore, the College fairly distributed these resources amongst the eligible students as follows:
Students who met the above criteria, as of May 27, 2020, will be provided the following one-time emergency grant allocation:
Resident Student: $1,000 Commuter Student: $700
The College has determined that such expenses also include costs related to summer study abroad trips which have not been refunded or reimbursed to eligible students as a result of cancellation by third party providers. If a student was impacted by the cancelation of a summer study abroad trip which has not been refunded or reimbursed, they are required to submit the attached application and required documentation no later than June 17, 2020. There is no guarantee of funding for such requests as the proceeds will be distributed until exhausted as set forth herein.
Grants will be paid via electronic funds transfer (where possible) or via check.
In order to fully utilize the resources provided under this Act, the College also distributed funding to eligible students in fall 2020 in a similar manner with allocations to residential students of $100 and to commuter students of $75. The messaging used to convey this additional distribution to students can be found in the following section.
Instructions of Directions Given to Students
The following message was communicated to studnts via e-mail on May 21, 2020:
Subject: COVID-19 CARES Act Emergency Grant Information
Dear Students:
We are pleased to provide information regarding the distribution of Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Cedar Crest recently received notification of the amount it would receive under this legislation and has reviewed the guidance from the U.S. Department of Education for distributing the portion of those funds mandated to go directly to eligible students, who must have filed a completed 2019/20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Under the eligibility requirements defined by the Department of Education, the following students are ineligible to receive emergency grants:
Students who meet eligibility requirements as of May 27, 2020, will receive a one-time emergency grant in the form of direct deposit or check as follows:
Grants will be released on May 27, 2020. Students who did not submit a 2019/20 FAFSA, but who are eligible to file a FAFSA, may be eligible to receive a grant allocation, but are required to submit the attached form (“HEERF Affidavit Form”) no later than June 17, 2020.
We realize that some students may have been affected by costs related to summer study abroad trips that were canceled by third party providers. Eligible students impacted by the cancellation of a summer study abroad trip which has not been refunded or reimbursed can submit the attached application (“Summer Study Abroad Trips HEERF Application”) and required documentation no later than June 17, 2020 for possible funding.
Additionally, students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for a HEERF grant may apply for possible assistance through the College’s internal COVID-19 Emergency Fund by contacting Kyle Dailey, Dean of Students, at kyle.dailey@cedarcrest.edu.
A detailed report outlining the process for the CARES Act funds distribution can be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm. For questions regarding the CARES Act emergency grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
The following message was communicated to students via e-mail on November 23, 2020:
Dear Students,
We are pleased to provide information regarding an additional distribution of Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that provides emergency funding to higher education, a portion of which must go directly to students in the form of financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis.
In spring 2020, the College made its initial distribution of these funds to eligible students under the guidance received from the U.S. Department of Education. To be eligible, a student must have filed and completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have been enrolled in the spring 2020 and fall 2020 semester. In order to fully utilize the resources provided under this Act, the College will distribute the following one-time HEERF grant, to eligible students, in the form of direct deposit or check as follows:
Under the eligibility requirements defined by the Department of Education, the following students are ineligible to receive HEERF emergency grants:
Grants will be released no later than November 29, 2020.
A detailed report outlining the process for the CARES Act funds distribution can be found online at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/healthservices/covid.shtm. For questions regarding the CARES Act HEERF grants, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@cedarcrest.edu.
We continue to monitor the situation through the Allentown Health Bureau, the Pennsylvania Department of State Health Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This page will be updated as necessary with new information and messages from College leadership.
Looking for old announcements, HEERF or CARES information? View our COVID-19 archive.