Wittenberg University is expected to receive approximately $1.7 million in total funding through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The U.S. Department of Education recently released the amount each college and university will receive from a $14 billion COVID-19 response stimulus package set aside for higher education.

Half of the $14 billion has been released thus far by the U.S. Department of Education this week. Wittenberg’s amount received so far is $864,385.

The dollars to date will fund emergency financial grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Eligible expenses include a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. It’s up to each college or university to determine which students receive the cash grants.

“We are pleased to be able to provide this assistance from the federal government immediately to students and hope it provides needed support to them and their families during this health emergency,” said Wittenberg President Michael L. Frandsen. “We are working to get it out to our students as quickly and equitably as possible.”

This funding, as per federal guidelines, is provided to students who are eligible for Title IV federal financial aid as defined by the FAFSA and is provided to offset any costs that may have incurred in this new learning environment. The formula that the U.S. Department of Education used to determine the funds available for Wittenberg students is based on the number of Pell-eligible students enrolled and the University’s total enrollment.

Based on the formula, full-time, Pell-eligible undergraduate students will receive $1,009; full-time, not Pell-eligible undergraduates $504; part-time, Pell-eligible undergraduates $335; part-time, not Pell-eligible undergraduates $167; and eligible graduate students (based on the program) $150.

Wittenberg will disburse funds to qualifying students automatically in the next few days via the refund preference selected through BankMobile on the Wittenberg OneCard managed through Student Accounts. Once the funds have been disbursed, students will receive a confirmation email from BankMobile.

“Wittenberg University has spent the last week preparing for the release of funds from the U.S. Department of Education,” said Amy Barnhart, director of financial aid. “Much work has gone into automating the award process and refund processes. Now that Wittenberg has received the funds, we will likely get the funds into the hands of our students within three-four business days. Students will be notified via an email to their Wittenberg account when funds are released.”

This is a one-time funding being made from federal funds. 

The disbursement is designed to prioritize students with the greatest demonstrated need and ensure that funds are distributed as widely as possible. The CARES Act is one of the many ways that Wittenberg is addressing the needs of students during this health crisis.

Wittenberg also launched the COVID-19 Crisis Fund on April 1 to provide support for emergency student needs, unforeseen expenses resulting from remote teaching and learning, and virtual meetings with key constituents, including prospective students and their families. As of today, the fund has exceeded $42,000 thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, including Robert Cindrich, class of 1965, and spouse Bonnie Cindrich, class of 1966, who provided a $20,000 match challenge. To support the fund, click here.

The global health crisis presents a challenge unlike anything Wittenberg has faced in modern times – an unprecedented challenge that changes daily and has no definitive end. Tigers coming together as one can help Wittenberg continue to serve the needs of the campus community. To stay up-to-date on Wittenberg’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.