HEERF II fund report

March 29, 2021

As part of the federal government’s Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), the University has received $7,122,267 in supplemental funds designed to assist students in need because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its disruption of campus operations. In 2020, this funding was known as the CARES Act Funding.

The University received a supplemental CRRSAA HEERF II grant award automatically, which has an authorization date of 1/17/2021; the University agreed to its terms and conditions.

1. 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.

   The University of Nevada, Reno received $7,122,267 from the US Department of Education for HEERF II Emergency Grants to be distributed to students.

2. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the HEERF II as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter).

   As of March 28, 2021, the University of Nevada, Reno had distributed $6,136,700 directly to students in accordance with Section 18004(a)(1) of the HEERF II Funding.

3. The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the HEERF II funding.

   The University of Nevada, Reno had approximately 13,000 students eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1).

4. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the HEERF II Funding.

   As of March 28, 2021, the University of Nevada, Reno had distributed HEERF II funds to 7,324 students.

5. 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 HEERF II Funding.

   The federal government instructed the University of Nevada, Reno to determine eligibility criteria for distribution of emergency financial aid grants and encouraged the University to prioritize students with the greatest need.

   The University of Nevada, Reno created an online application for students to request HEERF II funding. Students were notified through electronic messages and announcements posted on the University’s website.

   Award amounts have depended on each student’s enrollment level and socioeconomic circumstances. The amounts for undergraduate and graduate students range from $100 to $1,200, and from $1,500 to $3,000 for students in the School of Medicine.

6. Any instructions, directions or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

   Created a dedicated page for HEERF II Funding information and resources that includes an FAQ section and a link to the HEERF II Application form. This page went live on March 8.

   On March 8 and 9, the Financial Aid Office sent approximately 19,000 emails to students through the student information system. The message provided funding information, eligibility requirements, a link to the HEERF II application, and a link to the HEERF II FAQ page.

Links to HEERF II funding information

• HEERF II Funding: A standalone page for the HEERF II funding information under the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Information on the top of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships home page that points students to the HEERF II Funding page.
• HEERF II funding information was also posted through Instagram and Facebook.