American Rescue Plan Reporting(HEERF III)

The American Rescue Plan is a federal law that was passed in March 2021. The law provides
financial relief to higher education institutions to address the economic impact of the coronavirus
(COVID-19). UA Little Rock will disburse approximately $9 million in student aid directly to
eligible students. UA Little Rock’s goal in using the funds is to help students meet the critical
needs due to COVID-19 as students pursue a degree from UA Little Rock.

  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
    • The University of Arkansas at Little Rock submitted the Certification and Agreement to the US Department of Education on 4-22-2020. An additional application for CRRSAA or American Rescue Plan was not required for institutions that received funding from HEERF(I) and/or HEERF(II).
  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.
    • UA Little Rock expects to receive $9,766,800 to distribute to students via the American Rescue Plan to use toward emergency financial aid for 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.
    • As of March 31, 2022, UA Little Rock has distributed $7,500,502 in emergency aid via ARP funding.
  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 the American Rescue Plan(ARP).
    • For Spring 2022, UA Little Rock estimates that approximately 8,300 students could be eligible for emergency grants under the American Rescue Plan.
  5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the American Rescue Plan.
    • As of March 31, 2022, UA Little Rock has awarded funds via American Rescue Plan Funds to 5,732 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 Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
    • UA Little Rock recognizes some students may have hardships beyond what can be addressed through the formula-based approach (CARES Act Direct Aid for Undergraduates).
      • The award amount is based on multiple factors, including the number of enrolled credit hours as well as unmet financial need as determined from the FAFSA.
    • Further, it is understood that graduate students, including the Bowen School of Law and the Clinton School of Public Service, experience hardships due to COVID-19 and should have the option to apply for emergency financial aid grants.
    • For specific instances where inadequate or no funding was awarded to students through the CARES Act Direct Aid for Undergraduates, UA Little Rock will have an application and review approach for all eligible students by which students may seek assistance through the CARES Act Aid Application.
    • In compliance with the CARES Act, students (undergraduates and graduates) must meet the following requirements to be eligible to receive funding:
      • Eligible student per the U.S. Department of Education guidance.
      • Enrolled as degree-seeking students as of August 30, 2021.
      • Students must agree that the funds will be used 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 child care).”
    • An application has been built that will allow students from all academic levels to apply for additional funding via CARES Act. Students from all academic levels will use the same form.
  7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Date of Report: July 11, 2022