University of Hawai‘i Kapi‘olani 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. Kapiʻolani Community College (Kapiʻolani CC) was awarded a total of $5,954,955 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. Kapiʻolani CC was awarded a total of $8,190,280 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. Kapiʻolani CC was awarded a total of $8,811,090 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, Kapiʻolani 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, Kapi‘olani Community College will use no less than $4,943,484 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.
The total amount of funds that Kapi‘olani Community College has received for emergency financial aid grants is $4,943,484.
(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, Kapi‘olani Community College has distributed $1,606,300 to students in both credit and continuing education programs.
(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.
The estimated total number of students at Kapi‘olani Community College that are eligible are 4,650 credit students (350 eligible students within the continuing education program(s)).
(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, Kapi‘olani Community College has distributed 2,319 (55 students within the continuing education program).
(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grant
In Spring 2022, Kapi‘olani Community College prioritized students who demonstrated exceptional need. The college identified students in minority populations who was greatly affected by the COVID pandemic. Based on the college mission and student need, the college pulled a list of students within these populations and awarded a flat $500 award. Additionally, the college used an online application where students could apply. Eligible students needed to be enrolled at one or more of the UH Community Colleges at Spring 2020 census date and taking a minimum of 3 credits with the college. Factors included in determination of grant recipients included: loss of jobs/income, help with paying for food and/or housing, help with paying tuition, help with access to technology, help with access to child care, help with access to transportation, and other factors that was brought upon by the COVID pandemic and negatively affected students.
Students enrolled in our non-credit programs were also eligible to apply via an online application for emergency funds. The factors of determination were similar to those mentioned above for credit students.
(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. Upon receipt of an award students were made of additional resources on our campus such as the food pantry, mental health services, and financial aid department.
(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, Kapi‘olani Community College will use no less than $4,943,484 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.
The total amount of funds that Kapi‘olani Community College has received for emergency financial aid grants is $4,943,484.
(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, Kapi‘olani Community College has distributed $2,668,452 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.
The estimated total number of students at Kapi‘olani Community College that are eligible is 5,300 students.
(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, the total number of students who received Emergency Federal Aid is 3,075 students.
(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grant
In Fall 2021, Kapi‘olani Community College prioritized students who demonstrated exceptional need. The college used an online application where students could apply. Eligible students needed to be enrolled at one or more of the UH Community Colleges at Spring 2020 census date and taking a minimum of 3 credits with the college. Factors included in determination of grant recipients included: loss of jobs/income, help with paying for food and/or housing, help with paying tuition, help with access to technology, help with access to child care, help with access to transportation, and other factors that was brought upon by the COVID pandemic and negatively affected students.
Students enrolled in our non-credit programs were also eligible to apply via an online application for emergency funds. The factors of determination were similar to those mentioned above for credit students.
(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. Upon receipt of an award students were made aware of additional resources on our campus such as the food pantry, mental health services, and financial aid department.
(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, Kapi‘olani Community College will use no less than $4,943,484 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.
The total amount of funds that Kapi‘olani Community College has received for emergency financial aid grants is $4,943,484.
(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, Kapi‘olani Community College has distributed $2,648,352 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.
The estimated total number of students at Kapi‘olani Community College that are eligible is 5,300 students.
(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, the total number of students who received Emergency Federal Aid is 3,501 students.
(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grant
In Fall 2021, Kapi‘olani Community College prioritized students who demonstrated exceptional need. The college used an online application where students could apply. Eligible students needed to be enrolled at one or more of the UH Community Colleges at Spring 2020 census date and taking a minimum of 3 credits with the college. Factors included in determination of grant recipients included: loss of jobs/income, help with paying for food and/or housing, help with paying tuition, help with access to technology, help with access to child care, help with access to transportation, and other factors that was brought upon by the COVID pandemic and negatively affected students.
Students enrolled in our non-credit programs were also eligible to apply via an online application for emergency funds. The factors of determination were similar to those mentioned above for credit students.
(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. Upon receipt of an award students were made aware of additional resources on our campus such as the food pantry, mental health services, and financial aid department.
(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, Kapi‘olani Community College will use no less than $4,943,484 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.
The total amount of funds that Kapi‘olani Community College has received for emergency financial aid grants is $4,943,484.
(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 October 7th, 2021, Kapi‘olani Community College has distributed $500 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.
The estimated total number of students at Kapi‘olani Community Collegeg that are eligible is 3,967 students.
(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 October 7th, 2021 the total number of students who received Emergency Federal Aid is 1
(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 Fall 2021, Kapi‘olani Community College prioritized students who demonstrated exceptional need. The college used an online application where students could apply. Eligible students needed to be enrolled at one or more of the UH Community Colleges at Spring 2020 census date and taking a minimum of 3 credits with the college. Factors included in determination of grant recipients included: loss of jobs/income, help with paying for food and/or housing, help with paying tuition, help with access to technology, help with access to child care, help with access to transportation, and other factors that was bought upon by the COVID pandemic and negatively affected students.
(7) Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
Kapi‘olani Community College made students aware of the funds through email and social media campaigns. In addition the information on where and how to apply was widely shared with faculty and staff on the campus to then disseminate to students in smaller groups. This included classroom settings and student support programs.
(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. Kapi'olani Community College received its HEERF II Grant Award Notification on March 19, 2021. In keeping with the terms of acceptance of these funds, Kapi'olani Community College will use no less than $1,011,471 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.
Kapi'olani Community College received $1,011,471 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, Kapi'olani Community College has distributed $492,600 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 4,604.
(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 821.
(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 Kapi‘olani 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 Kapi‘olani 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, Kapi‘olani 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
- Kapi‘olani Community College received $1,011,471 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, 3,892 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 $1,011,471 was distributed to students at Kapi‘olani 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, 2,234 students at Kapi‘olani 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:
- New fall students enrolled 5 or more credits
- Continuing Spring 2020 students who were enrolled in 5+ credits and enrolled in Fall 5+ credits
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 Kapi‘olani 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 Kapi‘olani 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, Kapi‘olani 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
- Kapi‘olani Community College received $1,011,471 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, 1,215 students met the federal CARES eligibility criteria at Kapi‘olani Community College.
Fall 2020 CARES COVID Stipend Program: As of August 18, 2020, 1,073 students at Kapi‘olani 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 $606,900 was distributed to students at Kapi‘olani 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, 1,425 students at Kapi‘olani 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
Kapi‘olani 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 7, 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 Kapi‘olani 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 Kapi‘olani 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, Kapi‘olani 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.
- Kapi‘olani Community College received $1,011,471 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, 1,650 students at Kapi‘olani 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, $70,400 was distributed to students at Kapi‘olani 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, 352 students at Kapi‘olani 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:
Kapi‘olani 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
