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Majors & Degrees

CARES Act and HEERF Reports

Dakota State University’s Report on funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. (updated on August 11, 2020)

CARES Act Institutional Reports

Dakota State University's Report on funds received under The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III), authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021 (June 15, 2022)

Dakota State University is required to provide regular reporting to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on the use of funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan. Funds received by Dakota State University under the American Rescue Plan were authorized by Congress and signed into law by the President on March 11, 2021. The information noted below is intended to not only meet the reporting requirements of the American Rescue Plan but also provide information to our university community regarding Dakota State's use of the student grant portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III).

  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] HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
    • Dakota State University will receive $1,617,182 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  2. The total amount of HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students.
    • $193,250 (July – September, 2021)
    • $953,500 (October – December, 2021)
    • $462,500 (January – March, 2022)
    • $7932 (April – June, 2022)
  3. The total number of students who have received a HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grant.
    • 292 students who were enrolled during the 2021 summer semester at DSU have received HEERF III emergency grant funds as of September 15, 2021.
    • 859 students who were enrolled during the 2021 fall semester at DSU have received HEERF III emergency grant funds as of December 15, 2021.
    • 764 students who were enrolled during the 2022 spring semester at DSU have received HEERF III emergency grants funds as of March 31,2022.
    • An additional 24 students who were enrolled during the 2022 spring semester at DSU received HEERF III emergency grants, these students received all remaining HEERF III emergency grant funds.
  4. The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive.
    • Dakota State University identified all currently enrolled students within the university's financial aid system with an eligible Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The financial aid office validated enrollment statuses prior to disbursement of emergency funds.
  5. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants

Dakota State University's Report on funds received under The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III), authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021 (March 31, 2022)

Dakota State University is required to provide regular reporting to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on the use of funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan. Funds received by Dakota State University under the American Rescue Plan were authorized by Congress and signed into law by the President on March 11, 2021. The information noted below is intended to not only meet the reporting requirements of the American Rescue Plan but also provide information to our university community regarding Dakota State's use of the student grant portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III).

  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] HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
      • Dakota State University will receive $1,617,182 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  2. The total amount of HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students.
      • $193,250 (July – September, 2021)
      • $953,500 (October – December, 2021)
      • $462,500 (January – March, 2022)
  3. The total number of students who have received a HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grant.
      • 292 students who were enrolled during the 2021 summer semester at DSU have received HEERF III emergency grant funds as of September 15, 2021.
      • 859 students who were enrolled during the 2021 fall semester at DSU have received HEERF III emergency grant funds as of December 15, 2021.
      • 764 students who were enrolled during the 2022 spring semester at DSU have received HEERF III emergency grants funds as of March 31,2022.
  4. The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive.
      • Dakota State University identified all currently enrolled students within the university's financial aid system with an eligible Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The financial aid office validated enrollment statuses prior to disbursement of emergency funds.
  5. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants. 

Dakota State University's Report on funds received under The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III), authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021 (December 15, 2021)

Dakota State University is required to provide regular reporting to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on the use of funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan. Funds received by Dakota State University under the American Rescue Plan were authorized by Congress and signed into law by the President on March 11, 2021. The information noted below is intended to not only meet the reporting requirements of the American Rescue Plan but also provide information to our university community regarding Dakota State's use of the student grant portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III).

  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] HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
    • Dakota State University will receive $1,617,182 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  2. The total amount of HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students.
    • $193,250 (July – September, 2021)
    • $953,500 (October – December, 2021)
  3. The total number of students who have received a HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grant.
    • 292 students who were enrolled during the 2021 summer semester at DSU have received HEERF III emergency grant funds as of September 15, 2021.
    • 859 students who were enrolled during the 2021 fall semester at DSU have received HEERF III emergency grand funds as of December 15, 2021.
  4. The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive.
    • Dakota State University identified all currently enrolled students within the university's financial aid system with an eligible Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The financial aid office validated enrollment statuses prior to disbursement of emergency funds.
  5. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants

Dakota State University's Report on funds received under The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III), authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021 (September 15, 2021)
Dakota State University is required to provide regular reporting to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on the use of funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan. Funds received by Dakota State University under the American Rescue Plan were authorized by Congress and signed into law by the President on March 11, 2021. The information noted below is intended to not only meet the reporting requirements of the American Rescue Plan but also provide information to our university community regarding Dakota State's use of the student grant portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III).

  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] HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
    • Dakota State University will receive $1,617,182 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  1. The total amount of HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants was distributed to students.
    • $193,250 as of September 15, 2021
  1. The total number of students who have received a HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid, Grant.
    • 292 students who were enrolled during the 2021 summer semester at DSU have received HEERF III emergency grant funds as of September 15, 2021.
  1. The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive.
    • Dakota State University identified all currently enrolled students within the university's financial aid system with an eligible Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The financial aid office validated enrollment statuses prior to disbursement of emergency funds.
  2. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
<divCOVID-19 Update

Dakota State University's Report on funds received under the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA, Section 314 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ) to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. (August 23, 2021)

Dakota State University is required to provide regular reporting to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on the use of funds authorized by the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. The information noted below is intended to not only meet the reporting requirements of the CRRSAA but also provide information to our university community regarding Dakota State's use of the student grant portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II).

Section 314(d)(5) of CRRSAA requires that an institution receiving funding under section 314(a)(1) provide the same amount in financial aid grants to students from the new CRRSAA funds that it was required or which it would have been required to provide under its original Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Student Aid Portion award.

Each HEERF participating institution must post the information listed below on the institution's primary website. The following information must appear in a format and location that is easily accessible to the public 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation and updated every 45 days thereafter:

    1. An acknowledgment 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 program to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
      • Dakota State University signed and submitted the U.S. Department of Education Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on April 23, 2020. The U.S. DOE provided Dakota State University with an electronically signed Grant Award Notification (GAN) on May 1, 2020.
      • Dakota State University received notice of the supplemental allocation on January 17, 2021.
    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.
      • Dakota State University will receive $385,999 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
    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 (e., as of the initial report and every calendar quarter thereafter).
      • $384,260 as of June 25, 2021
      • $385,999 as of August 23, 2021
    4. The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA program.
      • 776 met the criteria for emergency grants at DSU
    5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA program
      • 425 students as of June 25, 2021
      • 427 students as of August 23, 2021
    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.
      • Dakota State University identified all currently enrolled students within the university's financial aid system with an eligible Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The initial group of students notified of CRRSAA eligibility were Pell Grant eligible students, the second group was students with an official EFC of less than $10,000. Students who met either of those criteria were notified by email of the opportunity to apply for emergency grant funds.
    7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Hello DSU students -- The federal government has allocated funds to the university through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). These funds will be distributed to students who need financial assistance due to expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is to help cover items such as living expenses, coursework expenses, childcare, and health care.

There are certain requirements a student must meet to receive the funding. They must:

      • Be a degree-seeking student at DSU
      • Have submitted a 2020-21 FAFSA and be eligible for Federal Pell Grant or have an expected family contribution (EFC) less than $10,000
      • Be enrolled at least halftime during the 2021 spring semester

You have been identified as one of the students meeting the eligibility requirements. To be considered for these funds you will need to log in with your DSU credentials and complete the application at this link. If you have questions about the program, email fa@dsu.edu.

Dakota State University's Report on funds received under the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA, Section 314 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ) to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. (June 25, 2021)

Dakota State University is required to provide regular reporting to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on the use of funds authorized by the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. The information noted below is intended to not only meet the reporting requirements of the CRRSAA but also provide information to our university community regarding Dakota State's use of the student grant portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II).

Section 314(d)(5) of CRRSAA requires that an institution receiving funding under section 314(a)(1) provide the same amount in financial aid grants to students from the new CRRSAA funds that it was required or which it would have been required to provide under its original Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Student Aid Portion award.

Each HEERF participating institution must post the information listed below on the institution's primary website. The following information must appear in a format and location that is easily accessible to the public 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation and updated every 45 days thereafter:

    1. An acknowledgment 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 program to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
      • Dakota State University signed and submitted the U.S. Department of Education Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on April 23, 2020. The U.S. DOE provided Dakota State University with an electronically signed Grant Award Notification (GAN) on May 1, 2020.
      • Dakota State University received notice of the supplemental allocation on January 17, 2021.
    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.
      • Dakota State University will receive $385,999 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
    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 (e.,as of the initial report and every calendar quarter thereafter).
      • $384,260 as of June 25, 2021
    4. The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA program.
      • 776 met the criteria for emergency grants at DSU
    5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA program
      • 425 students as of June 25, 2021
    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.
      • Dakota State University identified all currently enrolled students within the university's financial aid system with an eligible Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The initial group of students notified of CRRSAA eligibility were Pell Grant eligible students, the second group were students with an official EFC of less than $10,000. Students who met either of those criteria were notified by email of the opportunity to apply for emergency grant funds.
    7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Hello DSU students -- The federal government has allocated funds to the university through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). These funds will be distributed to students who need financial assistance due to expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is to help cover items such as living expenses, coursework expenses, childcare, and health care.

There are certain requirements a student must meet to receive the funding. They must:

      • Be a degree-seeking student at DSU
      • Have submitted a 2020-21 FAFSA and be eligible for Federal Pell Grant or have an expected family contribution (EFC) less than $10,000
      • Be enrolled at least halftime during the 2021 spring semester

You have been identified as one of the students meeting the eligibility requirements. To be considered for these funds you will need to log in with your DSU credentials and complete the application at this link. If you have questions about the program, email fa@dsu.edu.

Dakota State University is required to provide regular reporting to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on the use of funds authorized by the CARES Act. Funds received by Dakota State University under the CARES Act were authorized by Congress and signed into law by the President on March 27, 2020.  The information noted below is intended to not only meet the reporting requirements of the CARES Act but also provide information to our university community regarding Dakota State's use of the student grant portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or the “Act”)), Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (March 27, 2020), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the Secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the HEERF. Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act requires institutions to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received from Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student's cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare). On April 9, 2020, the ED published documents related to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants, including a letter from Secretary Betsy DeVos, a form Certification and Agreement for signing and returning by institutions to access the funds, and a list of institutional allocations under 18004(a)(1).

The Certification and Agreement directs each institution applying for HEERF funds to comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act and submit an initial report (the “30-day Fund Report”) to the Secretary thirty (30) days from the date of the institution's Certification and Agreement to ED. Each HEERF participating institution must post the information listed below on the institution's primary website. The following information must appear in a format and location that is easily accessible to the public 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation under 18004(a)(1) and updated every 45 days thereafter:

  1. An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
    • Dakota State University signed and submitted the U.S. Department of Education Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on April 23, 2020. The U.S. DOE provided Dakota State University with an electronically signed Grant Award Notification (GAN) on May 1, 2020.
  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.
    • Dakota State University will receive $385,999 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  3. 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 (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter).
    • $232,938 as of May 15, 2020
    • $321,857 as of June 26, 2020
    • $385,999 as of August 11, 2020
  4. 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.
    • 963 Title IV Eligible Students who were not enrolled exclusively in online courses.
  5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
    • 426 students who have applied for assistance have received emergency grant funds as of May 15, 2020.
    • 563 students who have applied for assistance have received emergency grant funds as of June 26, 2020.
    • 572 students who have applied for assistance have received emergency grant funds as of August 11, 2020.
  6. 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.
    • Dakota State University identified all currently enrolled students within the university's financial aid system with an eligible Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The financial aid office validated enrollment statuses and federal aid eligibility prior to disbursement of emergency funds as outlined in the CARES Act and additional guidance from ED.
  7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants

Dakota State University is required to provide regular reporting to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on the use of funds authorized by the CARES Act. Funds received by Dakota State University under the CARES Act were authorized by Congress and signed into law by the President on March 27, 2020. The information noted below is intended to not only meet the reporting requirements of the CARES Act but also provide information to our university community regarding Dakota State's use of the student grant portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or the “Act”)), Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (March 27, 2020), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the Secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the HEERF. Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act requires institutions to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received from Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student's cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare). On April 9, 2020, the ED published documents related to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants, including a letter from Secretary Betsy DeVos, a form Certification and Agreement for signing and returning by institutions to access the funds, and a list of institutional allocations under 18004(a)(1).

The Certification and Agreement direct each institution applying for HEERF funds to comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act and submit an initial report (the “30-day Fund Report”) to the Secretary thirty (30) days from the date of the institution's Certification and Agreement to ED. Each HEERF participating institution must post the information listed below on the institution's primary website. The following information must appear in a format and location that is easily accessible to the public 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation under 18004(a)(1) and updated every 45 days thereafter:

  1. An acknowledgment that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
    • Dakota State University signed and submitted the U.S. Department of Education Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on April 23, 2020. The U.S. DOE provided Dakota State University with an electronically signed Grant Award Notification (GAN) on May 1, 2020.
  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.
    • Dakota State University will receive $385,999 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  3. 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 (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter).
    • $232,938 as of May 15, 2020
    • $321,857 as of June 26, 2020
  4. 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.
    • 963 Title IV Eligible Students who were not enrolled exclusively in online courses.
  5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
    • 426 students who have applied for assistance have received emergency grant funds as of May 15, 2020.
    • 563 students who have applied for assistance have received emergency grant funds as of June 26, 2020.
  6. 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.
    • Dakota State University identified all currently enrolled students within the university's financial aid system with an eligible Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The financial aid office validated enrollment statuses and federal aid eligibility prior to disbursement of emergency funds as outlined in the CARES Act and additional guidance from ED.
  7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants

Dakota State University is required to provide regular reporting to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on the use of funds authorized by the CARES Act. Funds received by Dakota State University under the CARES Act were authorized by Congress and signed into law by the President on March 27, 2020. The information noted below is intended to not only meet the reporting requirements of the CARES Act but also provide information to our university community regarding Dakota State's use of the student grant portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or the “Act”)), Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (March 27, 2020), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the Secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the HEERF. Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act requires institutions to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received from Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student's cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare). On April 9, 2020, the ED published documents related to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants, including a letter from Secretary Betsy DeVos, a form Certification and Agreement for signing and returning by institutions to access the funds, and a list ofinstitutional allocations under 18004(a)(1).

The Certification and Agreement direct each institution applying for HEERF funds to comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act and submit an initial report (the “30-day Fund Report”) to the Secretary thirty (30) days from the date of the institution's Certification and Agreement to ED. Each HEERF participating institution must post the information listed below on the institution's primary website. The following information must appear in a format and location that is easily accessible to the public 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation under 18004(a)(1) and updated every 45 days thereafter:

  1. An acknowledgment that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
    • Dakota State University signed and submitted the U.S. Department of Education Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on April 23, 2020. The U.S. DOE provided Dakota State University with an electronically signed Grant Award Notification (GAN) on May 1, 2020.
  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.
    • Dakota State University will receive $385,999 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  3. 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 (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter).
    • $232,938
  4. 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.
    • 963 Title IV Eligible Students who were not enrolled exclusively in online courses.
  5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
    • 426 students who have applied for assistance have received emergency grant funds.
  6. 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.
    • Dakota State University identified all currently enrolled students within the university's financial aid system with an eligible Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The financial aid office validated enrollment statuses and federal aid eligibility prior to disbursement of emergency funds as outlined in the CARES Act and additional guidance from ED.
  7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants

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