Posted: August 6, 2021
Updated: January 18, 2022
Roane State is preparing to disburse emergency student aid that has been provided through a new round of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF). This is new funding established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Students must complete both questions and submit the online survey in order to receive emergency aid. You can find additional information listed below.
ELIGIBLE SPRING 2022 STUDENTS: LOG INTO RAIDERNET AND CHECK YOUR ALERTS FOR A SURVEY LINK
Looking for previous emergency aid information? See Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) of 2021 or CARES Act funding from 2020.
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARPA funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.
Roane State has been allocated approximately $6.1 million for emergency aid payments to students during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Learn more about HEERF III on the U.S. Department of Education website.
The total allocation of funds received will be distributed to Roane State’s student population per guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents and in accordance to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). The aid amounts that will be distributed to eligible students depend on a number of factors, including Federal Pell Grant eligibility and number of students that complete the required survey. Payments to Federal Pell eligible students will reflect a 15% higher funding level.
Roane State’s business office expects to begin the disbursement process the week of January 18, 2022. Any disbursed emergency grant funds will be released by either refund check or direct deposit, depending on if you have an e-refund profile setup with the college. For those receiving direct deposit, remember that payment may not be reflected immediately on your account. Please allow time for your financial institution to receive and post the funds.
Yes, students must complete the online survey available through RaiderNet by January 18, 2022. Aid will be sent automatically to qualifying students. Recipients will be notified by RSCC email.
For students who qualify, USDOE regulations require funds be used to cover expenses that may have been impacted by COVID-19. This includes eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, transportation, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care (including mental health care), and child care. Therefore, any emergency grant funds disbursed must be used for such qualifying expenses. A student’s acceptance of the funding is considered confirmation that they have a qualifying expense.
HEERF payments will not affect regular financial aid.
Yes, additional emergency funding will be available in cases of exceptional need. Requests for additional aid will be accepted by application only. Please note that funding requests over $500 will be evaluated with the provided justification as they are received until all funds are depleted. Recipients will be notified by email if their request is approved.
The application is not available at this time as Roane State has received sufficient requests to exhaust funds.
Our team is available to assist you! Submit any questions you have to arpa@roanestate.edu. Please be advised that if you send a message related to emergency aid from a non-Roane State email address, you may not receive a response or your response may be significantly delayed.
Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulation and by Tennessee board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. View full non-discrimination policy.
