Important Information about Our Response to the Pandemic

On April 28, 2020, Monroe received access to approximately $5.7 million in CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) earmarked for student aid. Within 10 days, we distributed the first round of emergency relief grants to students. Eligible full-time students received a $1,000 cash grant, with part-time students receiving a pro-rated amount based on their course load. More than $2.6 million was distributed at that time to nearly 79% of students who met the government guidelines. (see sidebar for specific HEERF details and disclosures). More grants were distributed since then, and will continue to be distributed as eligible students complete their required certification forms.

“Our team worked incredibly hard to get these much-needed funds into the hands of our students as quickly as possible,” said Marc Jerome, president of Monroe College. “More than 90% of the grant recipients live near our New York campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle – two of the pandemic’s hardest hit areas. We know that their families are struggling and that we had to do everything we could to help them.”

In addition to the above distribution, we created a second, supplemental grant program to provide additional student aid to eligible students who experienced financial hardship not covered by the initial $1,000 grant (or the pro-rated amount for part-time students). 

As of June 30, 2022:

When did Monroe College sign and return the HEERF Certification and Agreement?
April 14, 2020

Will Monroe College distribute at least 50% of the funds allocated under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students?
YES

How much was allocated to Monroe College for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students?
$5,704,039         

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act through the date above?
$6,408,545 (the College is allocating a portion of its institutional funds)

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act (as defined under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965)?
5,019

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant through the date above?
4,444

How did Monroe College determine which students would receive an Emergency Financial Aid grant under Section 1800(a)(1) of the CARES Act and the amount they would receive?
Given the demographics of our student population and our location in two communities hardest hit by the pandemic, the College determined that all of our eligible students had significant need for financial relief. The amount each student received was based on enrollment status.

We created two internal funds to distribute the emergency grants to students. One fund is called the COVID-19 STUDENT RELIEF FUND and the second is called the CARES STUDENT SUPPLEMENTAL RELIEF FUND. The latter provides additional student aid to eligible students who experienced financial hardship not covered by the initial $1,000 grant (or pro-rated amount for part-time students) through the COVID-19 STUDENT RELIEF FUND.

What information was provided to students about the availability of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants and the process to obtain one?
Eligible students learned about the Emergency Financial Aid Grants through an email, text, and voice message campaign that shared a link to complete the required Student Certification Form on our website.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Q1- 3/31/2021:

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act for Q1 – 3/31/2021?
$436,146

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act (as defined under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965) for Q1 – 3/31/2021?
5,019

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant for Q1 – 3/31/21?
244

Q2- 6/30/2021 (Final reporting):

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act for Q2- 6/30/2021?
$(13,800).  Funds were not claimed and returned to the College’s Institutional funds.

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act (as defined under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965) for Q2- 6/30/2021?
5,019

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant for Q2- 6/30/2021?
0

Students who received the $1,000 (or prorated amount) certified that:
 
“I am requesting a one-time Emergency Financial Aid Grant from the COVID-19 STUDENT RELIEF FUND to help cover the cost of expenses incurred or to be incurred due to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

By completing the form below, I certify that:

The grant funds provided to me by the College through the COVID-19 STUDENT RELIEF FUND will be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, including one or more eligible expenses under the cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care expenses.”
 

Students who received a grant through the second, supplemental fund we created certified that:

“I am requesting a one-time Emergency Financial Aid Grant from the CARES SUPPLEMENTAL RELIEF FUND to help cover the cost of eligible expenses incurred or to be incurred due to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

By completing the form below, I certify that:

1. I have or will incur expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, including one or more of the following areas (check all that apply):
•    __Unexpected housing expenses (such as having to contribute to rent) 
•    __Unplanned travel expenses to return home
•    __Increased food expenses
•    __Overdue bills (including medical, utility, rent)
•    __Expenses relating to coursework, including technology expenses like laptops and wifi access to attend the virtual classrooms
•    __Doctors’ bills and other medical costs
•    __Loss of childcare services or extra expenses to obtain childcare
I understand that the maximum amount of supplemental relief I may be awarded from the CARES SUPPLEMENTAL RELIEF FUND is $4,000 and Monroe College may determine that my need for eligible expenses is below this maximum amount.

2. The grant funds provided to me by the College through the CARES SUPPLEMENTAL RELIEF FUND will be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, including one or more eligible expenses under the cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care expenses.”
 

On February 4, 2021, Monroe received access to approximately $6.1 million through CRRSSA: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) earmarked for student aid. Within 20 days, the first round of emergency relief grants was distributed to eligible students. Each eligible student completing the certification form received $700 cash grant.

Additionally, we created a second, supplemental grant program to provide additional student aid to eligible students who experienced financial hardship not covered by the initial $700 grant.

As of June 30, 2022:

When did Monroe College sign and return the HEERF Certification and Agreement?
February 4, 2021

Will Monroe College distribute at least 100% of the funds allocated under CRRSAA to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students?
YES

How much was allocated to Monroe College for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students?
$6,086,162

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under CRRSSAA through the date above?
$6,086,162

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under CRRSAA?
5,108

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant through the date above?
3,912

How did Monroe College determine which students would receive an Emergency Financial Aid grant under CRRSSAA and the amount they would receive?
Given the demographics of our student population and our location in two communities hardest hit by the pandemic, the College determined that all of our eligible students had significant need for financial relief. The amount each student received was based on enrollment status.

We created two internal funds to distribute the emergency grants to students. One fund is called the COVID-19 STUDENT RELIEF FUND II and the second is called the CARES STUDENT SUPPLEMENTAL RELIEF FUND II. The latter provides additional student aid to eligible students who experienced financial hardship not covered by the initial $700 grant  through the COVID-19 STUDENT RELIEF FUND.

What information was provided to students about the availability of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants and the process to obtain one?
Eligible students learned about the Emergency Financial Aid Grants through an email, text, and voice message campaign that shared a link to complete the required Student Certification Form on our website.
 
Students who received the $700 (or prorated amount) certified that:
 
“I am requesting a one-time Emergency Financial Relief Grant from the COVID-19 HEERF II STUDENT RELIEF FUND to help cover the cost of expenses relating to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

By completing the form below, I certify that the grant funds provided to me by the College through the COVID-19 HEERF II STUDENT RELIEF FUND will be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, including one or more eligible expenses under the cost of attendance, such as tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care expenses.”
 

Students who received a grant through the second, supplemental fund we created certified that:

“I am requesting a one-time Emergency Financial Relief Grant from the COVID-19 HEERF II SUPPLEMENTAL STUDENT RELIEF FUND to help cover the cost of expenses relating to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. 

By completing the form below, I certify that the grant funds provided to me by the College through the COVID-19 HEERF II STUDENT RELIEF FUND will be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, including one or more eligible expenses under the cost of attendance, such as tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care expenses. I understand that the maximum amount of supplemental relief I may be awarded from the CARES SUPPLEMENTAL RELIEF FUND is $5,000 and Monroe College may determine that my need for eligible expenses is below this maximum amount.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Q1- 3/31/2021:

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under CRRSAA for Q1 – 3/31/2021?
$3,719,280

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under CRRSAA Q1 – 3/31/2021?
5,108

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant for Q1 – 3/31/21?
3,491

Q2- 6/30/2021 (Final Reporting):

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under CRRSAA for Q2- 6/30/2021?
$2,366,882

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under CRRSAA Q2- 6/30/2021?
5,108

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant for Q2- 6/30/2021?
937
 

On June 14, 2021, Monroe received access to approximately $3.6 million through ARP: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III) earmarked for student aid. Within 45 days, the first round of emergency relief grants will be distributed to eligible students. Each eligible student completing the certification form will receive a $250 cash grant.

Additionally, we created a second, supplemental grant program to provide additional student aid to eligible students who experienced financial hardship not covered by the initial $250 grant.

As of June 30, 2022:

When did Monroe College sign and return the HEERF Certification and Agreement?
May 18, 2021

Will Monroe College distribute at least 100% of the funds allocated under APR to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students?
YES

How much was allocated to Monroe College for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students?
$3,562,049

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under ARP through the date above?
$3,562,049

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under ARP?
7,744

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant through the date above?
3,787

How did Monroe College determine which students would receive an Emergency Financial Aid grant under ARP and the amount they would receive?
Given the demographics of our student population and our location in two communities hardest hit by the pandemic, the College determined that all of our eligible students had significant need for financial relief. The amount each student received was based on enrollment status.

We created two internal funds to distribute the emergency grants to students. One fund is called the COVID-19 STUDENT RELIEF FUND III and the second is called the CARES STUDENT SUPPLEMENTAL RELIEF FUND III. The latter provides additional student aid to eligible students who experienced financial hardship not covered by the initial $250 grant through the COVID-19 STUDENT RELIEF FUND.

What information was provided to students about the availability of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants and the process to obtain one?
Eligible students learned about the Emergency Financial Aid Grants through an email, text, and voice message campaign that shared a link to complete the required Student Certification Form on our website.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Q3- 9/30/2021:

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under ARP for Q1 – 9/30/2021?
$3,514,400

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under ARP Q1 – 9/30/2021?
7,744

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant for Q1 – 9/30/2021?
3,712

Q4- 12/31/2021:

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under ARP for Q4 – 12/31/2021?
$45,399

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under ARP Q4 – 2/31/2021?
7,744

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant for Q4 – 12/31/2021?
77
 

Q1- 3/31/2022:

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under ARP for Q1 – 3/31/2022?
$(500)

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under ARP Q1 – 3/31/2022?
7,744

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant for Q1 – 3/31/2022?
140
 

Q2 - 6/30/2022 (Final Reporting):

What is the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under ARP for Q2 – 6/30/2022?
$2,750

How many students at Monroe College meet the eligibility criteria to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under ARP Q2 – 6/30/2022?
7,744

How many eligible students at Monroe College have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant for Q2 – 6/30/2022?
8

Students who receive the $250 grant will certify that:
 
“I am requesting a one-time Emergency Financial Relief Grant from the COVID-19 HEERF III STUDENT RELIEF FUND to help cover the cost of expenses relating to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

By completing the form below, I certify that the grant funds provided to me by the College through the COVID-19 HEERF III STUDENT RELIEF FUND will be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, including one or more eligible expenses under the cost of attendance, such as tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care expenses.”
 

Students who receive a grant through the second, supplemental fund we created will certify that:

“I am requesting a one-time Emergency Financial Relief Grant from the COVID-19 HEERF III SUPPLEMENTAL STUDENT RELIEF FUND to help cover the cost of expenses relating to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. 

By completing the form below, I certify that the grant funds provided to me by the College through the COVID-19 HEERF III STUDENT RELIEF FUND will be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, including one or more eligible expenses under the cost of attendance, such as tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care expenses. I understand that the maximum amount of supplemental relief I may be awarded from the CARES SUPPLEMENTAL RELIEF FUND is $4,000 and Monroe College may determine that my need for eligible expenses is below this maximum amount.

Click the links below to see the institutional funds disclosure reports:

2020 Reports
October 31, 2020
December 31, 2020

2021 Reports
March 31, 2021
June 30, 2021
September 30, 2021
December 31, 2021

2022 Reports
March 31, 2022
June 30, 2022

The health and wellness of our College community is our greatest priority, and never more so than during the recent pandemic. 

Effective July 1, 2022, the majority of our students were no longer required to show proof of vaccination to attend on-campus classes or activities. The exceptions are students in clinical programs in accordance with the requirements and expectations of our clinical partners. Those majors are Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology, and our School of Nursing and School of Education programs.

Although available vaccines and boosters no longer provide the strong protection they initially did against the spread of coronavirus due to the emergence of new variants, they do continue to offer individual benefit against the severity of illness upon infection. We continue to encourage them for that reason.

Any questions or concerns may be addressed to the President’s Office:

Marc Jerome / President
914.740.6803 or mjerome@monroecollege.edu

Jackie Ruegger / Vice President, Public Affairs
914.740.6455 or jruegger@monroecollege.edu