UMass Boston

Acknowledgement:

The University of Massachusetts Boston received funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, through section 18004(a)(1) of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), totaling $12,233,838. An additional $49,186 was received through section 18004(a)(2) due to our status as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI). Our population of students who identify as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander was the qualifying factor for this additional funding.

The university will be providing emergency grant assistance to students under the CARES Act. UMass Boston signed and returned the Certification and Agreement document to the U.S. Department of Education on April 15, 2020. Within this agreement, UMass Boston has agreed to spend at least 50 percent, or $6,092,326, of the total funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) on direct emergency grant aid to students. The remaining 50 percent (or less) may be used for institutional costs related to the change to remote instruction.

$12,233,838

 Total available student emergency aid:

$6,151,512

  CARES Initial Allocation (minimum 50% to students)

$6,092,326

  MSI Allocation

$49,186

 Estimated Number of Eligible Students

13,300

 Total students awarded between 10/01/2020 - 12/31/2020

4,261

 Funds distributed between 10/01/2020 -  12/31/2020

$1,435,639

Total Program Expenditures as of 12/31/2020

CARES Act Funds: Total Students Awarded

CARES Act Funds: Total Fund Distributed

MSI Funds: Total Students Awarded

MSI Funds: Total Fund Distributed

Methods:

The University of Massachusetts Boston has opened an online application process for students to apply for CARES Act Emergency Student Aid. Additional application cycles will be made available as campus disruption continues. The next application cycle is anticipated in October.

The funds received under our MSI designation will be provided as emergency grant aid to students via the same process; however, those funds will be directed to students who self-identify as Asian American, Native American, or Pacific Islander, because the university’s AANAPISI status led to the allocation of funds.

A full review of applicants and their reported expenses will be conducted at the close of each application cycle. The number of applications, reported expenses, and known economic need will determine the amount of funds each student receives. Awards will be posted and distributed directly to students via direct deposit or paper check.

Instructions/Directions/Guidance Provided to Students:

The University of Massachusetts Boston opened an online application process for students to apply for CARES Act Emergency Student Aid.

All students were notified about the online application via a campus-wide email, social media posts, and a link on our website. The online application requires students to report the expenses they have incurred as a result of the university’s move to remote instruction.

Support for completing the FAFSA and/or application is available through The One Stop, our student service center.

Additional applications cycles will be announced as campus disruption continues.