Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF)

Utica University is committed to supporting students through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the emotional and financial hardship it has caused.

HEERF Distribution Report - March 2022 HEERF Distribution Report - December 2021 HEERF Distribution Report - September 2021 HEERF Distribution Report - June 2021 HEERF Distribution Report - March 2021 HEERF Distribution Report - September 2020

Contributions from members of the Utica University community to the Pioneers Come Together: COVID-19 Relief Initiative have helped provide emergency relief grants to students with immediate needs amid the pandemic and its many reverberations. The passage of several federal funding Acts allows the University to expand its support of students facing financial stress from the impact of this crisis and provides the university with funding to offset expenses and lost revenues associated with the Coronavirus.

The emergency student financial aid grants provided under HEERF were established to help students with expenses such as:

Academic supplies and course materials
Internet access and technology (e.g. computer, printer, paper, ink)
Childcare
Health care
Food
Housing

Additionally, although not required, students are permitted to use excess funds to pay tuition and fee balances.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act (CARES) was passed in March 2020 (also referred to as HEERF I) and provided fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, small businesses and industries, including Higher Education. The student funding portion of the CARES Act for Utica University provided $1.2 million of funding to defray expenses incurred associated with the Coronavirus, including lost revenues such as reimbursements for room and board.

Student Funds - In accordance with federal guidelines, eligibility and individual award amounts have been determined based on FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information on file with the College, tier-based on Pell Grant and other need-based eligibility. Grants of $1,197,700 were issued to 2,255 students under CARES/HEERF I

Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) was passed in December 2020 (also referred to as HEERF II)and provided additional economic assistance. The student funding portion under CRRSAA for Utica University provided $1.2 million of financial aid grants to students. The institutional portion under CRRSAA provided Utica University with $2.9 million of funding to defray expenses incurred associated with the Coronavirus, including lost revenues.

Student Funds - Issued according to revised federal guidelines, eligibility and individual award amounts were prioritized based on exceptional needs, such as students who receive Pell Grants. Grants of $1,226,000 were issued to 1,613 students under CRRSAA/HEERF II (includes $27,868 through the institutional portion of funds)

American Rescue Plan (ARP) was passed in March 2021 (also referred to as HEERF III) provides further economic assistance similar to HEERF I and II with both a student funding and institutional funding component. The Student funding portion under ARP for Utica University provided $3.9 million of financial aid grants to students. The institutional portion under ARP provides Utica University with $3.4 million of funding to defray expenses incurred associated with the Coronavirus.

Student Funds - Issued according to revised federal guidelines, eligibility and individual award amounts were prioritized based on exceptional needs, such as students who receive Pell Grants. Grants of $3,866,950 were issued to 4,083 students under ARP/HEERF III (includes $6,458 through the institutional portion of funds).

If you need further guidance or have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to the Center for Student Success at (315) 792-3179 or studentsuccess@utica.edu.

Contact Us

Center for Student Success

(315) 792-3179

studentsuccess@utica.edu