University of Hawai‘i Honolulu Community College
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Congress passed three pieces of legislation: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) in December 2020, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in March 2021. Each of these laws provided funding for higher education to the US Department of Education as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The HEERF funding was provided in three different tranches:
Tranche 1 (Student Grants)
Funds are to be used for emergency financial aid grants to students for any component of the student’s cost of attendance, or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care. Honolulu Community College (Honolulu CC) was awarded a total of $3,389,248 in Tranche 1 funds from the CARES, CRRSAA, and ARPA Acts.
Tranche 2 (Institutional Portion)
Funds may be used to defray institutional expenses associated with coronavirus (including lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, technology costs associated with a transition to distance education, faculty and staff trainings, and payroll), and to make additional emergency financial aid grants to students as permitted under Tranche 1. The ARPA Act added the requirement to use a portion of the institutional funds to implement evidence-based practices to monitor and suppress coronavirus in accordance with public health guidelines, and to conduct direct outreach to financial aid applicants about the opportunity to receive a financial aid adjustment due to the recent unemployment of a family member or independent student, or other circumstances. Honolulu CC was awarded a total of $4,764,747 in Tranche 2 funds from the CARES, CRRSAA, and ARPA Acts.
Tranche 3 (Minority-Serving Institutions)
Funds may be used to defray institutional expenses associated with coronavirus (including lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, technology costs associated with a transition to distance education, faculty and staff trainings, and payroll), to carry out student support activities authorized by the Higher Education Act that address needs related to the coronavirus, and to make additional emergency financial aid grants to students as permitted under Tranche 1. Honolulu CC was awarded a total of $5,060,264 in Tranche 3 funds from the CARES, CRRSAA and ARPA Acts.
HEERF Reporting
In order to comply with reporting provisions prescribed by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF I), the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA Act) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II), and the America Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) (HEERF III), as directed by the US Department of Education, Honolulu CC reports are posted to provide transparency on our use and stewardship of all CARES, CRRSA, ARPA funding.
Combined Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds 4/1/2022 to 6/30/2023
Student Emergency Aid Reports - Inception to 3/31/2022
(1) An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students
Institutions who received HEERF I grant funds under CARES Act were not required to submit an application for HEERF II and III. In keeping with the terms of acceptance of these funds, Honolulu Community College will use no less than 2,835,554 as stated under CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.
(2) The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
Honolulu Community College received 2,835,554 in aid from the Department of Education.
(3) The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the initial report and every calendar quarter thereafter).
Between January 1 and March 31, 2022, Honolulu Community College has distributed approximately $657,415.
(4) The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
Approximately 2,737 students were eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under CRRSAA and ARP.
(5) The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
Between January 1 and March 31, 2022, approximately 566 (duplicated) emergency financial aid grants were made to students.
(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grant
Honolulu CC distributed emergency aid to students using the Edquity application platform and the campus USRF portal. Edquity was used to determine students in the highest need categories. Two rounds of applications were reviewed and awarded. Students who demonstrated exceptional financial need (Tier 1 and 2) were awarded approximately $224,000 via and an additional $28,000 was awarded to other needy students who applied via Edquity (Tier 3). Total disbursement via the Edquity campaign was $252,000. Honolulu CC also awarded emergency aid using the USRF Portal. Total disbursement via the portal was $405,415.
For Edquity and Emergency aid awards, students applied to receive funds. Communications were sent via UH Announce to all eligible students who were enrolled at HONCC, and had HONCC as their designated home campus for Spring 2022. The Student Services led Emergency Aid group reviewed all applications. Award amounts were typically based on student request. Amounts awarded ranged from approximately $200-$4500. Most students received between $500-$2000 unless they were previously awarded. For those demonstrating extenuating circumstances, we allowed repeat awards. Those with the most need as identified in the application were given consideration for repeat awards. Most awards were given for food, housing, course materials, transportation, and electronics.
Students who indicated needing to be connected with support services were identified via the application. Information was shared with appropriate service areas to connect student(s) with designated support services.
(7) Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
Students did not receive any guidance regarding use and receipt of funds. Students were informed that if previous aid was awarded, priority would be given to students who had not already received aid. In some cases, when additional awards were given, an extra effort was made to connect students with campus-based basic needs drives as available.
(1) An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students
Institutions who received HEERF I grant funds under CARES Act were not required to submit an application for HEERF II and III. In keeping with the terms of acceptance of these funds, Honolulu Community College will use no less than 2,835,554 as stated under CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.
(2) The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
Honolulu Community College received 2,835,554 in aid from the Department of Education.
(3) The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the initial report and every calendar quarter thereafter).
Between October 1 and December 31, 2021, Honolulu Community College has distributed approximately $747,440.
(4) The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
Honolulu Community College sent an email to all Fall 2021 students who were home campused with us. This meant that approximately 2950 students were eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under CRRSSA and ARP.
(5) The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
Between October 1 and December 31, 2021, 2343 emergency financial aid grants were made to students.
(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grant
The University of Hawaii Emergency Aid portal was used. Students applied to receive funds. Communications were sent via UH Announce to all eligible students who were enrolled at HONCC, and had HONCC as their designated home campus for Fall 2021. The Student Services led Emergency Aid group reviewed all applications. Award amounts were typically based on student request. Amounts awarded ranged from $200-$2000. Most students received between $500-$2000 unless they were previously awarded. In some cases, for those demonstrating extenuating circumstances, we did allow repeat awards for those with the most need as identified in the application. Most awards were given for food, housing, course materials, transportation, and electronics.
Students who indicated needing to be connected with support services were identified via the application. Information was shared with appropriate service areas to connect student(s) with designated support services.
(7) Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
Students did not receive any guidance regarding use and receipt of funds. Students were informed that if previous aid was awarded, priority would be given to students who had not already received aid. In some cases, when additional awards were given, an extra effort was made to connect students with campus-based basic needs drives (to provide toiletries and canned goods), and with a student basic needs drive led by Student Life and Development.
(1) An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
Institutions who received HEERF I grant funds under CARES Act were not required to submit an application for the HEERF II grant. In keeping with the terms of acceptance of these funds, Honolulu Community College will use no less than $2,835,554 as stated under Section 314(a)(1) of the CRRSAA, to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.
(2) The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
Honolulu Community College received $2,835,554 in aid from the Department of Education.
(3) The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the initial report and every calendar quarter thereafter).
As of 09/30/21, Honolulu Community College has distributed approximately $121,695.
(4) The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
Honolulu Community College sent an email to all Fall 2021 students who were home campuses with us. This meant that approximately 2,950 students were eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under CRRSSA and ARP.
(5) The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
187 emergency financial aid grants were made to students.
(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
The University of Hawaii Emergency Aid portal was used. Students applied to receive funds. The designated Emergency Aid group reviewed all applications. Award amounts were typically based on student request. Amounts awarded ranged from $200-$2000. Most students received between $500-$1000 unless they were previously awarded. Most awards were given for food, housing, course materials, transportation, and electronics.
Students who indicated needing to be connected with support services will be contacted by designated support services.
(7) Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
Students did not receive any guidance regarding use and receipt of funds. Students were informed that if previous aid was awarded, priority would be given to students who had not already received aid.
(1) An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
Institutions who received HEERF I grant funds under CARES Act were not required to submit an application for the HEERF II grant. Honolulu Community College received its HEERF II Grant Award Notification on March 19, 2021. In keeping with the terms of acceptance of these funds, Honolulu Community College will use no less than $553,694 as stated under Section 314(a)(1) of the CRRSAA, to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.
(2) The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
Honolulu Community College received $553,694 in aid from the Department of Education.
(3) The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the initial report and every calendar quarter thereafter).
As of June 8, 2021, Honolulu Community College has distributed $129,900 to students.
(4) The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
As of census date, the total number of students eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants was estimated to be 2,142.
(5) The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
As of June 8, 2021, the total number of students who received CRRSAA emergency aid grants is 433.
(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.
In Spring 2021, UHCCs prioritized students with exceptional need by identifying eligible students using students’ Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as determined by the FAFSA. All students with an EFC of 1800 or below and enrolled in 6 or more credits received an emergency grant. Award amounts varied between $300 to $600 per student.
(7) Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
UHCC System Office provided campuses with a list of eligible students and sample communication to inform students about their awards. Each campus was responsible for outreach and communication about funds. Information on all HEERF funding is available at the UHCC website: uhcc.hawaii.edu/cares
45-Day Fund Report - October 10, 2020
Final report that covers all remaining HEERF fund expenditures for Section 18004(a)(1)
The University of Hawai‘i (UH), including Honolulu Community College, provided emergency financial grants to students in Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 to address unexpected financial hardships caused by the coronavirus and disruptions to their education and lives. The federal CARES Act supported emergency assistance directly to students who meet federal eligibility requirements (described below). The UH Urgent Student Relief Fund provided financial assistance for unplanned emergency expenses. The Urgent Student Relief Fund is supported by generosity of UH and UH Foundation donors.
Below is Honolulu Community College’s report on administration of the federal CARES Act, Emergency Financial Aid Grants for students.
An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) provides funding for colleges to give Emergency Financial Aid Grants to currently enrolled students who had "expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus."
- On 4/25/2020, Honolulu Community College signed and returned the Certification and Agreement to the U.S. Department of Education, acknowledging its intent to use no less than 50% of funds received under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution's Certification of Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students
- Honolulu Community College received $553,694 under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- Based on guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, "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 (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants." Also, U.S. Department of Education excluded students who were enrolled exclusively in online programs.
- As of October 9, 2020, 2,053 students were eligible for CARES based on their Title IV eligibility, being enrolled in programs that are not exclusively online, and meeting the Fall 2020 CARES COVID Stipend criteria. The method by which eligibility and awarding was determined is outlined below.
The total amount of emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission
- As of October 9, 2020, a total of $553,694 was distributed to students at Honolulu Community College. This figure includes awards made for Spring 2020 and Fall 2020, Rounds 1 and 2. All funds have been expended.
The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act
- As of October 9, 2020, 1,407 students at Honolulu Community College received emergency financial aid grants. This figure includes awards made for Spring 2020 and Fall 2020, Rounds 1 and 2.
The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act
Method by which Title IV Eligibility was Determined:
Round 1:- Classified degree or certificate seeking student (excludes fully-online degree programs).
- Enrolled at one or more of the UH Community Colleges at census date in Spring 2020.
- Enrolled in at least 6 credits at one or more of the UH Community Colleges in Fall 2020 by July 31.
- Filed a 2020-21 FAFSA by July 31.
- Meets Title IV eligibility criteria including making Satisfactory Academic Progress in 2019-2020 or 2020-2021.
- Classified degree or certificate seeking student (excludes fully-online degree programs).
- Enrolled at one or more of the UH Community Colleges in Fall 2020.
- Filed a FAFSA for 2020-21.
- Meets Title IV eligibility criteria including making Satisfactory Academic Progress in 2020-2021.
- Meets Campus-Based priorities below:
- Continuing Spring 2020 students prioritized by Fall enrolled credits
- New Fall 2020 students prioritized by Fall enrolled credits
- Fall Transfer-in students enrolled full-time
Title IV eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen, a valid Social Security Number, registration with Selective Service (if student is male), and a high school diploma, GED or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting
Factors considered in determining grant recipients and amounts for Fall 2020:
- Effort to help students enrolled during the pandemic to continue into Fall 2020
- Intended to help cover costs related to shift to online learning. The amount was based on estimate of high speed internet for five months
- Addresses one of greatest challenges identified by Spring students (internet connection)
Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
- Information about the Emergency Financial Aid grants was available online at the UH Community Colleges’ website: uhcc.hawaii.edu/cares. Students also had access to an email account for questions related to the stipend: ccaid@hawaii.edu
- For Round 1:
- No application was required. Eligible students were sent a personal email notification in mid-July.
- Awards were made August-September 2020 and email notifications with payment details were sent to students’ UH email address.
- Payments were made directly to students regardless of outstanding balances or financial obligations.
- For Round 2:
- No application was required.
- Campuses made awarding decisions from a CARES-eligible list provided by the UHCC System Office. Awards were made by October 9, 2020 and email notifications with payment details were sent to students’ UH email address.
- Payments were made directly to students regardless of outstanding balances or financial obligations.
45-Day Fund Report - August 23, 2020
The University of Hawai‘i (UH), including Honolulu Community College, provided emergency financial grants to students in Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 to address unexpected financial hardships caused by the coronavirus and disruptions to their education and lives. The federal CARES Act supported emergency assistance directly to students who meet federal eligibility requirements (described below). The UH Urgent Student Relief Fund provided financial assistance for unplanned emergency expenses. The Urgent Student Relief Fund is supported by generosity of UH and UH Foundation donors.
Below is Honolulu Community College’s report on administration of the federal CARES Act, Emergency Financial Aid Grants for students.
An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) provides funding for colleges to give Emergency Financial Aid Grants to currently enrolled students who had "expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus."
- On 4/25/2020, Honolulu Community College signed and returned the Certification and Agreement to the U.S. Department of Education, acknowledging its intent to use no less than 50% of funds received under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution's Certification of Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students
- Honolulu Community College received $553,694 under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- Based on guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, "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 (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants." Also, U.S. Department of Education excluded students who were enrolled exclusively in online programs. In Fall 2020, as of 8/18/2020, 640 students met the federal CARES eligibility criteria at Honolulu Community College.
Fall 2020 CARES COVID Stipend Program: As of August 18, 2020, 574 students at Honolulu Community College received emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act Section 18004(a)(1), based on their Title IV eligibility, being enrolled in programs that are not exclusively online, and meeting the Fall 2020 CARES COVID Stipend criteria. The method by which Fall 2020 Stipend Program was determined is outlined below.
The total amount of emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission
- As of August 18, a total of $386,800 was distributed to students at Honolulu Community College. This figure includes awards made for Spring 2020 and Fall 2020.
The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act
- As of August 18, 2020, 1,073 students at Honolulu Community College received emergency financial aid grants. This figure includes awards made for Spring 2020 and Fall 2020.
The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act
Method by which Title IV Eligibility was Determined:
For Fall 2020, UHCCs provided a CARES COVID Support Stipend of $500 for students continuing from Spring 2020 to Fall 2020. No application was required. The stipend provides financial support to cover expenses associated with the shift to remote learning.
The UH System Financial Aid Office identified the criteria, and the System Institutional Research, Analysis and Planning Office and UHCC Academic Affairs Office prepared the list of eligible students.
Criteria:
- Enrolled at one or more of the UH Community Colleges in Spring 2020 at census date
- Classified student enrolled in at least 6 credits at one of more of the UH Community Colleges in Fall 2021 by July 31, 2020
- Submitted a 2020-21 FAFSA by July 31, 2021
- Not enrolled in a fully online degree program
- Title IV eligible*
- Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress
*Title IV eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen, a valid Social Security Number, registration with Selective Service (if student is male), and a high school diploma, GED or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.
Method by which Emergency Financial Aid Grants implementation was Determined
Honolulu Community College offered $500 grants to all students who met eligibility criteria as of August 18, 2020.
Factors considered in determination of grant recipients and amounts for Fall 2020:
- Effort to help students enrolled during the pandemic to continue into Fall 2020
- $500 stipend was intended to help cover costs related to shift to online learning. The amount was based on estimate of high speed internet for five months
- Addresses one of greatest challenges identified by Spring students (internet connection)
Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
- Information about the Emergency Financial Aid grants was available online at the UH Community Colleges’ website: uhcc.hawaii.edu/cares. Students also had access to an email account for questions related to the stipend: ccaid@hawaii.edu
- Eligible students were sent a personal email notification in mid-July. Awards were made in August 2020 and email notifications with payment details were sent to students’ UH email address. Payments were made directly to students regardless of outstanding balances or financial obligations.
45-Day Fund Report - July 9, 2020
See 45-Day Fund Report for details. No new awards have been made since disbursement of Spring 2020 CARES in May 2020. Additional funds for Fall 2020 CARES will be made on August 12, 2020.
30-Day Fund Report - May 23, 2020
The University of Hawai‘i (UH), including Honolulu Community College, provided emergency financial grants to students in April and May 2020 to address unexpected financial hardships caused by the coronavirus and disruptions to their education and lives. The federal CARES Act supported emergency assistance directly to students who meet federal eligibility requirements (described below). The UH Urgent Student Relief Fund provided financial assistance for unplanned emergency expenses. The Urgent Student Relief Fund is supported by generosity of UH and UH Foundation donors.
Below is Honolulu Community College’s report on administration of the federal CARES Act, Emergency Financial Aid Grants for students.
An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) provides funding for colleges to give Emergency Financial Aid Grants to currently enrolled students who had “expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.”
- On 4/25/2020, Honolulu Community College signed and returned the Certification and Agreement to the U.S. Department of Education, acknowledging its intent to use no less than 50% of funds received under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification of Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
- Honolulu Community College received $553,694 under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- Based on guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, “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 (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants.” Also, U.S. Department of Education excluded students who were enrolled exclusively in online programs.
- As of May 4, 2020, 914 students at Honolulu Community College were identified as eligible to receive emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act Section 18004(a)(1), based on their Title IV eligibility and being enrolled in programs that are not exclusively online.
The total amount of emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission
- As of May 20, 2020, $99,800 was distributed to students at Honolulu Community College.
The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act
- As of May 20, 2020, 499 students at Honolulu Community College received emergency financial aid grants.
The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act
Method by which Title IV Eligibility was Determined:
The UH System Financial Aid Office identified the criteria, and the System Institutional Research, Analysis and Planning Office and UHCC Academic Affairs Office prepared the list of eligible students. Eligible students were the ones who are:
- Enrolled (as of 5/4/2020)
- Not enrolled in a fully online program
- Submitted FAFSA, 2019-20 or 2020-21
- Title IV eligible (valid ISIR, verification of high school diploma or equivalency, Statement of Educational Purpose, completed verification process if selected)
Method by which Emergency Financial Aid Grants implementation was Determined:
Honolulu Community College offered $200 grants to all students who met eligibility criteria as of May 4, 2020.
Factors considered in determination of grant recipients and amounts for Spring 2020:
- Number of Classified students enrolled in Spring 2020
- Percent and Number of CARES-eligible students
- Administrative considerations to award Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students as efficiently and quickly as possible, especially given that there was not much time between U.S. Department of Education’s award of funds and the last day of the term
- Students’ declaration that they incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.
Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
- Information about the Emergency Financial Aid grants was available online at the UH Community Colleges’ website: www.uhcc.hawaii.edu/cares.
- Eligible students received a personal email notification regarding their eligibility and a link to the online form to request funds if they had incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.
Institutional Portion and Minority Serving Institutions Reports - Inception to 3/31/2022
