COVID Update: CARES Act

Dear Community,

We know many of you have questions about emergency funding from the U.S. Department of Education CARES Act and how students will benefit. Like many other universities, St. Edward’s has not yet received our full allocated funding, but we expect to receive the entire $4.1 million by early May. We hope the following details provide better understanding of how the funding will be distributed once it arrives.  

As required by the Department of Education, the first 50% must be used to continue supporting our students through the emergency aid program.

The second half of CARES Act funding will go toward additional student emergency or retention grants and expenses directly related to COVID-19 disruptions to campus. For instance, upon receipt of the CARES Act funds, the university will post refunds to students accounts for parking permits on a prorated basis. 

Significant governmental guidance is still pending but we will have additional updates for the community in the future related to the CARES Act funding and the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) program. Additionally, there continue to be clarifications issued by the Department of Education on who can receive funding. For example, a clarification last week specified that a student must be eligible for federal student aid, eliminating both DACA students and international students from receiving funds. 

Limitations of the federal funding underscore the importance of our commitment to supporting all students through the HOOF fund, made available by the generosity of students, faculty, staff and community partners. Please consider ensuring we have institutional resources to support all students through a gift to the HOOF fund.

If you know a student that is in need, connect them with the Dean of Students and Emergency Aid resources by completing the SCC form. If you have questions regarding how the CARES Act will affect your financial aid, please see our Financial Aid FAQs.

Additional Resource:

City of Austin’s RISE (Relief in a State of Emergency) Funding

Catholic Charities of Central Texas was one of four organizations chosen as a recipient of the City of Austin’s RISE (Relief in a State of Emergency) Funding. See details here. The assistance is limited in scope but is still helpful for our students.