HEERF III fund report

October 1, 2021

As part of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response, the University received a total amount of $34,132,556 in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF I, HEERF II, HEERF III) to assist students in need by providing emergency grants. As of September 30, 2021, a total amount of $26,133,034 has been given to students in emergency funds.

Summary of HEERF funds given as of September 30, 2021:

  • HEERF I (Cares Funds): $7,122,267 of the total $7,122,267 has been distributed.
  • HEERF II (CRRSA): $7,122,267 of the total $7,122,267 has been distributed.
  • HEERF III (American Rescue Plan): $11,888,500 of the total $19,888,022 has been distributed.

HEERF III funds information

  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) to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

    The University received a supplemental ARP HEERF III grant award automatically. The University agreed to its terms and conditions.

  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).

    The University of Nevada, Reno received $19,888,022 from the US Department of Education in HEERF III Emergency Grants to be distributed to students.

  3. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) program as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the initial report and every calendar quarter thereafter).

    As of September 30, 2021, the University of Nevada, Reno had distributed $11,888,500 directly to students in accordance with Section 18004(a)(1) of the HEERF III Funding.

  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).

    The University of Nevada, Reno has approximately 21,000 students eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1).

  5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1).

    As of September 30, 2021, the University of Nevada, Reno had distributed HEERF III funds to 11,231 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).

    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 III funding. Students were notified through electronic messages and announcements posted on the University’s website and social media.

    Award amounts have depended on each student’s enrollment level and socioeconomic circumstances. The amounts for undergraduate and graduate students range from $300 to $2200, and from $1837 to $2110 for students in the School of Medicine.

  7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
    • Created a dedicated page for HEERF III Funding information and resources that includes an FAQ section and a link to the HEERF III Application form. This page went live on 8/5/2021.
    • On 8/5/2021, the Financial Aid Office sent emails to approximately 20,000 students through the student information system. The message provided funding information, eligibility requirements, a link to the HEERF III application, and a link to the HEERF III FAQ page.

Links to HEERF III funding information

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