Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting (CARES Act)

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting (CARES Act)

Ozarks Technical Community College Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting            

FINAL REPORT:  DECEMBER 31, 2020

This document provides the necessary information to comply with 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.

Reporting date:  December 31, 2020

1. Institution has signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement document under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
2. The total amount of funds that the institution will receive from the Department for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students is $3,975,331.
3. As of December 31, 2020, the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is $3,975,331.
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 is 5,334.
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 is 5,273.  This represents the total number of unique students who have received funding from the CARES Act.  In some instances, multiple disbursements were issued.
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.

The Ozarks Technical Community College CARES Act grant provided an additional emergency grant of $534 to each Title IV eligible Pell student and $303 to each Title IV eligible non-Pell student enrolled in the fall term to be used as needed by the student. (This was a 75% – 25% distribution of Pell-eligible to non-Pell eligible.)  Student eligibility was vetted through the college’s Financial Aid office.

Additionally, disbursements for critical emergency needs as a result of the coronavirus disruption are ongoing through the college’s institutional CARES Act grant funds. These emergency grants are awarded through an application process to students who meet eligibility requirements.

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

On October 23, 2020, eligible students received an email regarding the distribution.

The communications are posted below.

HEERF 12.31.20 Quarterly Budget and Expenditure

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, 18004(a)(2), and 18004(a)(3), applicable (pdf)

1. The institution has signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement document under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
2.  The total amount of funds that the institution will receive from the Department for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students is $3,975,331.
3. As of September 30, 2020, the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is $2,678,424
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 is 5,334.
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 is 5,273.  This represents the total number of unique students who have received funding from the CARES Act.  In some instances, multiple disbursements were issued.
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.

The Ozarks Technical Community College CARES Act grant provided a one-time grant of $500 to each Title IV eligible student enrolled full-time in the fall term to be used as needed by the student for online technology needs.  A short application was required for this $500 grant.  Student eligibility was vetted through the college’s Financial Aid office.

Additionally, disbursements for critical emergency needs as a result of the coronavirus disruption are ongoing. These emergency grants are awarded through an application process to students who meet eligibility requirements.

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

On June 19 and July 30, 2020, eligible students received an email regarding the availability of $500 emergency technology grants for the fall semester. The email provided instructions on the application process.  As the grants were awarded, eligible students were emailed on August 25 and September 3, 2020, regarding the distribution date on September 16, 2020.

The communications are posted below.

Institution has signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement document under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

1.  The total amount of funds that the institution will receive from the Department for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students is $3,975,331.
2. As of August 19, 2020, the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is $2,234,024
3. 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 is 5,334.
4. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 5,273.  This represents the total number of unique students who have received funding from the CARES Act.  In some instances, multiple disbursements were issued.
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 CARES Act.

The Ozarks Technical Community College CARES Act grant is providing a one-time grant of $500 to each Title IV eligible student enrolled full-time in the fall term to be used as needed by the student for online technology needs.  There is an application required for this $500 grant.  Student eligibility is vetted through the college’s Financial Aid office.

Additionally, disbursements for critical emergency needs as a result of the coronavirus disruption are ongoing. These emergency grants are awarded through an application process to students who meet eligibility requirements.

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

On June 19, 2020, eligible students received an email regarding the availability of $500 emergency technology grants for the fall semester. The email provided instructions on the application process.  As the grants are awarded, eligible students will receive an email regarding a distribution date in early September.

The communications are posted below.

Institution has signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement document under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

1.  The total amount of funds that the institution will receive from the Department for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students is $3,975,331.
2. As of July 5, 2020, the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is $2,225,524
3. 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 is 5,334.
4. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 5,273.
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 CARES Act.

The Ozarks Technical Community College CARES Act grant provided a one-time grant of $500 to each Title IV eligible student enrolled in the summer term to be used as needed by the student for the coronavirus disruption.  There was an application required for this $500 grant.  Student eligibility was vetted through the college’s Financial Aid office.

Future disbursements are planned for the fall semester based on students’ technology needs. These remaining emergency grants will be awarded through an application process to students who meet eligibility requirements.

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

On May 8, 2020, eligible students received an email regarding the summer emergency grants providing instructions on the application process.  As the grants were awarded, 500 eligible students received an email regarding the June 19^th distribution of the $500 grants.

The communications are posted below.

1. On April 10, 2020, the Certification and Agreement were signed and returned to the Department of Education. Furthermore, Ozarks Technical Community College 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. The college’s Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding was awarded on April 21, 2020.
2. The total amount of funds that the institution will receive from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students is $3,975,331
3. As of May 21, 2020, the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is $1,974,656
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 is 5,334. However, this number may increase.
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 is 5,271.
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.
   • The Ozarks Technical Community College CARES Act grant provided an emergency one-time grant of $434 to each Title IV eligible Pell student and $267 to each Title IV eligible non-Pell student enrolled in the spring term to be used as needed by the student for the coronavirus disruption. (This was a 75% – 25% distribution of Pell-eligible to non-Pell eligible.) Only students who were enrolled as of March 13, 2020, were considered eligible, and students who were enrolled exclusively in online courses as of March 13, 2020, were not considered eligible, based on implementation guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Future disbursements are planned for June and August, based on student need. These remaining emergency grants will be awarded through an application process to students who meet eligibility requirements.
7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
   • On April 30, 2020, eligible students received an email regarding the May 6th distribution. The communications are posted below.

The following email was sent to 3397 current students:

Dear Student:
We realize many OTC students are feeling the strain of the extraordinary circumstances related to COVID-19. We know it’s hard to concentrate on your studies with everything that is occurring in our state and nation. Financial concerns are certainly on the list of concerns for our students. This week, the college received notice of federal stimulus dollars as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Nearly $2 million dollars will be transferred directly to OTC students and disbursements will be available May 6, 2020.

Since you are eligible to receive federal student aid, you will receive $434

There will also be federal stimulus money set aside as emergency grants for eligible students who suffered hardship due to COVID-19. Details on how students may apply for those funds will be made available in the coming days. This money is a grant for you and DOES NOT have to be paid back! If you have a spring balance, when you receive the refund, you may choose to pay the amount toward your spring balance.

I hope you remain healthy, and good luck with finals.

Sincerely,

Joan M. Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO. 65802
Office: (417) 447-6914
Mobile: (417) 818-8461

The following email was sent to 1874 current students:

Dear Student:
We realize many OTC students are feeling the strain of the extraordinary circumstances related to COVID-19. We know it’s hard to concentrate on your studies with everything that is occurring in our state and nation. Financial concerns are certainly on the list of concerns for our students. This week, the college received notice of federal stimulus dollars as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Nearly $2 million dollars will be transferred directly to OTC students and disbursements will be available May 6, 2020.

Since you are eligible to receive federal student aid, you will receive $267

There will also be federal stimulus money set aside as emergency grants for eligible students who suffered hardship due to COVID-19. Details on how students may apply for those funds will be made available in the coming days. This money is a grant for you and DOES NOT have to be paid back! If you have a spring balance, when you receive the refund, you may choose to pay the amount toward your spring balance.

I hope you remain healthy, and good luck with finals.

Sincerely,

Joan M. Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO. 65802
Office: (417) 447-6914
Mobile: (417) 818-8461

The following email was sent to 4855 current students:

Dear Student:

Ozarks Technical Community College is offering emergency needs grants on a limited basis this summer for students impacted by COVID-19. OTC will distribute $500 grants for students taking at least 6 hours of credit this summer, which begins Monday, June 1.

The grant is open to current OTC students whose spring semester was disrupted by the global pandemic. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

1). Enrolled in at least six hours at OTC for summer 2020

2). Complete a short application letting us know the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on your academic life. Please click here for the application.

Time is running out to get registered for summer classes! If you should have any questions, please call Student Services at 417 447-6900.

Sincerely,

Joan M. Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO. 65802

The following email was sent to 503 current students:

Dear Student:

Thank you for your recent submission of the OTC COVID-19 Emergency Grant Application.  You are receiving $500 to assist you during this time.  Many students have been impacted by the recent pandemic and we are encouraged by your determination to continue your education this summer by enrolling in 6 credit hours.

This grant was funded by the federal CARES Act and is not required to be repaid by you.  The grant will be applied to your OTC student account on June 19, 2020 with an anticipated refund on June 26, 2020 and can be used towards any COVID-19 expenses you have incurred.  If you choose to pay the amount towards your OTC charges for the summer, you may do so through your MyOTC login.

I hope the spring semester is coming to a successful close and we look forward to having you in classes this summer.  Please know we are here for you during these trying times.  Please go to this website when you need assistance.

Sincerely,

Joan M. Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO. 65802

The following email was sent to over 12,000 students:

Dear Student:

While the COVID-19 outbreak has created many challenges for college students, paying for school shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why OTC is offering two new financial aid options this fall for students impacted by the pandemic:

• The OTC Technology Grant provides a $500 grant for education-related technology needs.
• The OTC Online Class Credit provides three credit hours of tuition and common fees for students who take more than 12 hours of online courses at OTC.
  These awards are not student loans – they are monetary benefits you do not have to pay back. Keep reading to learn more and see if you qualify.

OTC Technology Grant

This fall, any OTC student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (either in-person or online) may apply for the OTC Technology Grant. The money can be used for anything technology-related, which includes, but is not limited to, the following items:

• Computers or tablets
• Hardware, such as hard drives, monitors or keyboards
• Software or software upgrades
• Electronic textbooks or course materials
• High-speed Internet or WiFi
  Visit this link to learn more and apply for this grant.

OTC Online Class Credit

Are you considering making the switch to all online courses this fall? The OTC Online Class Credit covers the tuition and common fees for one three-credit-hour online class over and above a student’s initial 12 hours.

The best part? You do not need to apply for the OTC Online Class Credit. The credit will be applied when you register for more than 12 online credit hours this fall at OTC.

Our staff is here to assist you with any questions you might have about these financial aid incentives, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus this fall.

Sincerely,

Joan M. Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO. 65802

The following email was sent to over 1102 students:

Dear Student:

Many students have been impacted by the recent pandemic and we are encouraged by your determination to continue your education this fall by enrolling in 12 credit hours. The college is offering a $500 OTC Technology Grant and we invite you to complete the application. This is a great opportunity for you to receive assistance for expenses to use towards your educational and technology costs.

This funding is available on a first-come basis and will be awarded until all funds are expended. The grant was funded by the federal CARES Act and is not required to be repaid by you.

We look forward to having you in classes this fall. Please know we are here for you during these trying times. Please go to the Student Support Services website when you need assistance.

Sincerely,

Joan M. Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO. 65802

The following email was sent to over 1002 students:

Dear Student:

Many students have been impacted by the recent pandemic and we are encouraged by your determination to continue your education this fall by enrolling in 12 credit hours. The college is offering a $500 OTC Technology Grant and we invite you to complete the application. This is a great opportunity for you to receive assistance for expenses to use towards your educational and technology costs.

This funding is available on a first-come basis and will be awarded until all funds are expended. The grant was funded by the federal CARES Act and is not required to be repaid by you.

We look forward to having you in classes this fall.  Please know we are here for you during these trying times.  Please go to the Student Support Services website when you need assistance.

Sincerely,

Joan M. Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO. 65802

The following email was sent to over 1518 students:

Dear Student:

Many students have been impacted by the recent pandemic and we are encouraged by your determination to continue your education this fall. Did you know by enrolling in 12 credit hours you may apply for a $500 OTC Technology Grant? This is a great opportunity for you to receive assistance for expenses to use towards your educational and technology costs.

Once you enroll in 12 credit hours or more we invite you to complete the application.

This funding is available on a first-come basis and will be awarded until all funds are expended. The grant was funded by the federal CARES Act and is not required to be repaid by you.

We look forward to having you in classes this fall.  Please know we are here for you during these trying times.  Please go to the Student Support Services website when you need assistance.

Sincerely,

 

Joan M. Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO. 65802

The following email was sent to over 766 students:

Dear Student:

Thank you for your recent submission of the OTC Technology Grant Application. You are receiving $500 to assist you during this time. Many students have been impacted by the recent pandemic and we are encouraged by your determination to continue your education this fall be enrolling in 12 credit hours.

Because your OTC Technology Grant is funded by the federal CARES Act, there are special rules the college must follow. The grant will not apply towards your student account balance, but rather, will “pass-thru” to you as a refund to your refund preference in mid-September.  If you have a fall balance, when you receive a refund, you may choose to pay the amount towards your fall balance.

• To receive funds, be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours at the time of payment.
• If you have a documented disability and ADA letter from Disability Support Services (DSS) on file with the financial aid office you may be enrolled in 6 or more credit hours at the time of payment.
• Contact DSS to request the letter be sent to financialaid@otc.edu.

We look forward to having you in classes this fall.  Please know we are here for you during these trying times.  Please go to the Student Support Services website when you need assistance.

Sincerely,

Joan M. Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO. 65802

The following email was sent to over 56 students:

Dear Student:

Thank you for your recent submission of the OTC Technology Grant Application. You are receiving $500 to assist you during this time. Many students have been impacted by the recent pandemic and we are encouraged by your determination to continue your education this fall be enrolling in 12 credit hours.

Because your OTC Technology Grant is funded by the federal CARES Act, there are special rules the college must follow. The grant will not apply towards your student account balance, but rather, will “pass thru” to you as a refund to your refund preference in mid-September.  If you have a fall balance, when you receive the refund, you may choose to pay the amount towards your fall balance.

• To receive funds, be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours at the time of payment.
• If you have a documented disability and ADA letter from Disability Support Services (DSS) on file with the financial aid office you may be enrolled in 6 or more credit hours at the time of payment.
• Contact DSS to request the letter be sent to financialaid@otc.edu.

We look forward to having you in classes this fall.  Please know we are here for you during these trying times.  Please go to Student Support Services website when you need assistance.

Sincerely,
Joan M. Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College

The following email was sent to Pell-Eligible Students: 1965 students $534.00

Dear Student:

We realize many OTC students continue to feel the strain of the extraordinary circumstances related to COVID-19. We imagine it’s hard to concentrate on your studies with everything occurring in our state and nation. Financial concerns are certainly on the list for college students. An additional disbursement of federal stimulus dollars, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, is heading your way. Over $1 million dollars will be transferred directly to OTC students and disbursements will be available 10/23/2020.

You will receive: $534.00

This money is a grant for you and does not have to be paid back! If you have a fall semester balance, when you receive the refund, you may choose to pay the amount toward your balance.
I hope you remain healthy, and best wishes for a successful end to the semester.
Sincerely,
Joan Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 East Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802

The following email was sent to Non-Pell Eligible Students: 1162 students $303.00

Dear Student:

We realize many OTC students continue to feel the strain of the extraordinary circumstances related to COVID-19. We imagine it’s hard to concentrate on your studies with everything occurring in our state and nation. Financial concerns are certainly on the list for college students. An additional disbursement of federal stimulus dollars, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, is heading your way. Over $1 million dollars will be transferred directly to OTC students and disbursements will be available 10/23/2020.

You will receive: $303.00

This money is a grant for you and does not have to be paid back! If you have a fall semester balance, when you receive the refund, you may choose to pay the amount toward your balance.

I hope you remain healthy, and best wishes for a successful end to the semester.

Sincerely,
Joan Barrett, Ed.D
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 East Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802