In response to the continued impact of COVID-19 on students and families, the President Signed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) on December 27, 2020. This new law gave the U.S. Department of Education approximately $22.7 billion to distribute to institutions of higher education in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). This law has some similarities – as well as important differences – from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) which was enacted on March 27, 2020.

UNC Pembroke was awarded $3,137,355 million designated for direct, student emergency assistance. This funding is available to assist students with COVID-related expenses such as balances, technology needs, food insecurity, housing needs, course materials, transportation, medical needs, childcare expenses, and mental health resources.   

The CRRSAA requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional needs, such as students who receive Pell Grants, in awarding emergency assistance funding to students. UNC Pembroke awarded all current students who have a valid FAFSA on file and are Pell recipients or Pell-eligible. These awards were processed without any action needed by the student.

If you were not one of these students, you could still receive assistance if you are a current student at UNC Pembroke and have a COVID-related need. To receive funding, eligible students MUST submit an application indicating they have a need. This application is available online when logging into your BraveWeb account.  Click on Online Forms Home and the application is the first link—Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021.  Please keep in mind that students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Students must meet these conditions for consideration for assistance under the CRRSAA.

The value of grants will vary based on students’ individual situations, and our distribution plan is designed to help the most students with the greatest financial need.

Please note that not all students who meet these criteria will receive emergency grants as funds are limited and the need is great. Funding will be awarded first to those with the most financial need. Federal guidelines prohibit us from distributing funds to international students, undocumented students or students who didn’t file a FAFSA.

Student awards will go through student accounts, and students will receive funding either by direct deposit (if an account is on file) or by mailed check. While the funds will go through student accounts, they will not be used to reduce or offset existing or future account balances unless the student designates that UNCP can do so on the application. 

For questions related to student aid from the CARES Act Emergency Relief Aid, please contact the UNCP Office of Financial Aid at 910.521.6255 or fa@uncp.edu.