Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting

Congress and the President of the United Stated of America enacted and signed the CARES Act, which allocated funds for each college and university to use to provide financial assistance for students who experienced significant disruption to campus operations as defined by the ACT due to the COVID-19 national emergency that was declared on March 13, 2020.

In compliance with Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Hinds Community College releases the following information regarding the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting—

• An acknowledgement 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 1800(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  Hinds Community College acknowledges the institution has signed and returned to the U. S. Department of Education, 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 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 Grant to Students.
  Hinds Community College received $5,260,390 from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as part of the CARES Act pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
• 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 May 29, 2020, $5,260,390 has been distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
• 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.
  Hinds Community College estimates that 6,315 students at the institution were eligible to participate in the programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and that these students were thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
• The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
  Hinds Community College has distributed Emergency Financial Aid Grants to 4,886 students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
• 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 Department of Education established and presented guidance for how each college and university should allocate the CARES Act funds to their students. Based on those guidelines, Hinds Community College will disburse funds to students who were enrolled and attending classes on March 13, 2020, who satisfy BOTH of the following criteria:
  1. Students who are eligible to receive Title IV funding (Students admitted to the College as a high school graduate or the equivalent, GED, or a college transfer and making Satisfactory Academic Progress and not in default on any student loans. This does not include dual credit/dual enrolled students. Students must also have a valid social security number and be registered with Selective Service, if applicable.)
  2. Students who were enrolled in face-to-face or hybrid classes leading to an eligible program of study. (This does not include students who were in 100 percent online classes or in a non-degree or workforce program, or a program of study that does not qualify for Title IV aid.)

The College assigned all students enrolled at the college on March 13, 2020, to one of two groups:

Group 1 – those who filed a 2019-2020 FAFSA and had results on file with the college as of May 5, 2020. Each student who met the criteria will receive two disbursements.

Group 2 – those who had not filed a 2019-2020 FAFSA as of May 5, 2020. Each student who met the criteria will receive one disbursement.

• Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
  The instructions, directions, or guidance provided by Hinds Community College to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants was sent via campus email. The email explanation to the students in Group 1 was if they met all eligibility criteria, in addition to having filed the FAFSA, that there was no further action needed on their part for them to receive the funds. The Group 2 students were advised that if they met all of the eligibility criteria AND completed a FAFSA with a valid EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) being received by the Office of Financial Aid by May 22, 2020, that they would receive the funds. Both emails also encouraged students who had not already set up a preference with BankMobile to receive other financial aid funds that they should do so immediately in order to receive the CARES Act funds.

The College website includes a FAQ CARES Act where students can find answers to general questions.

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on December 27, 2020. This new law gives the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) approximately $22.7 billion to distribute to institutions of higher education in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus through the HEERF II. The CRRSAA requires that an institution receiving funding under section 314(a)(1) provide the “same amount” in financial aid grants to students from the new CRRSAA funds that it was required or which it would have been required to provide under its original CARES Act Student Aid Portion award.

Institutions must make financial aid grants to students, which can be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care. Unlike the CARES Act, the HEERF II (CRRSAA) requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. However, students do not need to be only Pell recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants.

• An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, at a minimum, the same amount in financial aid grants to students from the new CRRSAA funds that it was required or which it would have been required to provide under its original CARES Act Student Aid Portion award.
  Hinds Community College acknowledges the institution has signed and returned to the U. S. Department of Education, the Certification and Agreement for the CARES Act funds. The institution was not required to sign an additional agreement in order to draw down these funds. The institution has used, at a minimum, the same amount in financial aid grants to students from the HEERF II funds that it was required or which it would have been required to provide under its original CARES Act Student Aid Portion award.

• The total amount of CRRSAA funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department.
  Hinds Community College received $ 5,260,390 CRRSAA funds from the U. S. Department of Education.

• The total amount of CRRSAA funds distributed to students.
  As of May 7, 2021, Hinds Community College disbursed $5,241,050 of CRRSAA (HEERF II) funds to students who were enrolled in credit bearing courses at the college in the Fall 2020 and/or Spring 2021 semesters.

• 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 CRRSAA.
  Hinds Community College estimates that 10,115 students at the institution were eligible to participate in the programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and that these students were thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under CRRSAA.

• The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under CRRSAA.
  Hinds Community College has distributed Emergency Financial Aid Grants to 10,115 students under CRRSAA.

• The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under CRRSAA.
  Hinds Community College was responsible for determining the neediest students and ensuring that these students received funds. These funds are applicable to students who were enrolled during Fall 2020 and/or Spring 2021 semesters. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students and International students are NOT eligible. Students qualify in one of three categories:
  1. Students who are not qualified for Federal Student Aid due to Satisfactory Academic Progress ineligibility (hours of enrollment were taken into account when determining amounts).
     • Disbursement amounts per student range from $250—$1,500
     • Total disbursement for this category was $568,500
  2. Students with need determined by Expected Family Contribution (EFC) level on the FAFSA (various amount levels were determined based on the financial aid EFC structure).
     • Disbursement amounts per student range from $250—$1,500
     • Total disbursement for this category was $4,159,750
  3. Students who did not complete a FAFSA (all students have some basic need, including those without any financial aid paperwork on file).
     • Disbursement amounts per student range from $200—$400
     • Total disbursement for this category was $512,800

• Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
  Emails were sent to all eligible students on May 6, 2021 informing them of their eligibility for the May 7, 2021 disbursement. Students may log in to their My.Hinds account and view the term “Cares Act Disbursement” to review their amounts. Questions and concerns should be directed to HEERF@hindscc.edu.

The College website includes a FAQ on CRRSAA (HEERF II) where students can find answers to general questions.

Hinds Community College is proud to announce that we have recently received funding from the U.S. Department of Education in the form of the HEERF III (Higher Education Emergency Fund). This funding will give us the ability to offer more emergency assistance to eligible Hinds students through the Hinds Cares Summer Grant and the Hinds Relief Grant. The HEERF III was authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) (Public Law 117-2) and signed into law on March 11, 2021. This new law gives the U.S. Department of Education approximately $39.6 billion to distribute to institutions of higher education for further prevention, preparation, and response to COVID-19. While HEERF III is structured similarly to the previous HEERF II (provided under the CRRSAA) and HEERF I (provided under the CARES Act), some differences do apply.

Institutions must make financial aid grants to students, that can be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or childcare. Similar to the CRRSAA funds (HEERF II), institutions must still prioritize students with exceptional financial need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. Still, students need not be Pell recipients or Pell Grant eligible to receive HEERF III monies.

• An acknowledgement 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 the required amount of funds received under ARP to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
  Hinds Community College acknowledges the institution has signed and returned to the U. S. Department of Education, the Certification and Agreement for the CARES Act funds. The institution was not required to sign an additional agreement in order to draw down these funds. The institution has used or intends to use, no less than the required amount of funds received under ARP to provide grants to students.

• The total amount of ARP funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department.
  Hinds Community College received $18,004,852 ARP funds from the U. S. Department of Education.

• The total amount of ARP funds distributed to students.

• 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 ARP.

  In the Fall 2021, Hinds Community College estimates that 7,757 students at the institution were eligible to participate in the programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and that these students were thus eligible to receive funds under ARP.

  In the Spring 2022, the college estimates that 6,168 students at the institution were eligible to participate in the programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and that these students were thus eligible to receive funds under ARP.

  In the Summer 2022, the college estimates that 3,827 students at the institution were eligible to participate in the programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and that these students were thus eligible to receive funds under ARP.

  Additionally, in the Fall 2022, the college estimates that 3,820 students at the institution were eligible to participate in the programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and that these students were thus eligible to receive funds under ARP.

  In the Spring 2023, the pool of students from Summer 2022 that had not forfeited any funds from previous disbursements were randomized as explained in methods section below. For this final ARP disbursement, the college estimates that the 500 students selected through the randomization process were eligible to participate in the programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and that these students were thus eligible to receive funds under ARP.

• The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under ARP.

  In the Fall 2021, Hinds Community College has distributed Emergency Financial Aid Grants to 7,757 students under ARP.

  In the Spring 2022, the college has distributed Emergency Financial Aid Grants to 6,168 students under ARP.

  In the Summer 2022, the college has distributed Emergency Financial Aid Grants to 3,827 students under ARP.

  In the Fall 2022, the college has distributed Emergency Financial Aid Grants to 3,820 students under ARP. These students were from the Summer 2022 group who did not previously forfeit funds from the Summer 2022 disbursement.

  In the Spring 2023, the college has distributed Emergency Financial Aid Grants to 500 students.  These students were from the Summer 2022 group who did not previously forfeit funds from any previous disbursements.

• The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under ARP.

  Hinds Community College was responsible for determining the neediest students and ensuring that these students received funds. These funds were distributed via a transaction through Account Services. This transaction applied to students enrolled at the time of distribution in the Fall 2021 semester and/or students enrolled at the time of distribution in the Spring 2022 semester and/or students enrolled at the time of initial distribution in the Summer 2022 semester. Students who were enrolled in both fall and spring semesters were eligible for two disbursements, one in each semester of enrollment. Students enrolled for the summer semester were also be eligible for a distribution. The disbursement amounts varied each semester based on enrollment numbers and the amount of carry forward funds that are available each semester. Dual credit/dual enrolled students and Commercial Truck Driving program students (KLLM) were NOT eligible. Hinds Community College employees who are also enrolled as students were eligible for ARPA Funding distribution. International students were eligible for this funding as well.

  Students qualify in one of three categories:

1. Students who are not qualified for Federal Student Aid due to Satisfactory Academic Progress ineligibility (hours of enrollment were taken into account when determining amounts).

Fall 2021

• Disbursement amounts per student range from $1,000-$2,000
• Total disbursement for this category was $632,500.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $41,000 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Fall 2021 disbursement to $591,500 for this category.

Spring 2022

• Disbursement amounts per student range from $1,250–$2,225.
• Total disbursement for this category was $542,025.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $46,275 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Spring 2022 disbursement to $495,750 for this category.

Summer 2022

• Disbursement amount per student was $23.40.
• Total disbursement for this category was $4,914.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $421.20 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Summer 2022 disbursement to $4,492.80.

Fall 2022 (Summer 2022 Re-Dispersal)

• Disbursement amount per student was $31.53.
• Total disbursement for this category was $6,621.30.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $567.54 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Fall 2022 (Summer 2022 Re-Dispersal) amount to $6,053.76.

Total disbursement for this category = $632,500 (Fall 2021), Less Fall 2021 Forfeit Amount $41,000 and $542,025 (Spring 2022), Less Spring 2022 Forfeit Amount $46,275 and $4,914 (Summer 2022) and $6,621.30 (Summer 2022 FINAL), Less Summer 2022 (Re-Dispersal) Forfeit Amount $988.74 = $1,097,796.56.

2. Students with need determined by Expected Family Contribution (EFC) level on the 2021–2022 FAFSA (various amount levels were determined based on the financial aid EFC structure).

Fall 2021

• Disbursement amounts per student range from $1,000–$2,000
• Total disbursement for this category was $7,152,000.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $82,500 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Fall 2021 disbursement to $7,069,500 for this category.

Spring 2022

• Disbursement amounts per student range from $1,250–$2,225.
• Total disbursement for this category was $7,237,300.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $59,125 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Spring 2022 disbursement to $7,178,175 for this category.

Summer 2022

• Disbursement amount per student was $23.40.
• Total disbursement for this category was $63,086.40.
• The college determined that additional forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $795.60 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Summer 2022 disbursement to $62,290.80.

Fall 2022 (Summer 2022 Re-Dispersal)

• Disbursement amount per student was $31.53.
• Total disbursement for this category was $84,910.29.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $1,229.67 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Fall 2022 (Summer 2022 Re-Dispersal) amount to $83,680.62.

Total disbursement for this category = $7,152,000 (Fall 2021), Less Fall 2021 Forfeit Amount $82,500 and $7,237,300 (Spring 2022), Less Spring 2022 Forfeit Amount $59,125 and $63,086.40 (Summer 2022), Less Summer 2022 Forfeit amount $70.20 and $84,910.29 (Summer 2022 FINAL), Less Summer 2022 (Re-Dispersal) Forfeit Amount $1,955.07 = $14,393,646.42.

3. Students who did not complete a 2021–2022 FAFSA (all students have some basic need, including those without any financial aid paperwork on file).

Fall 2021

• Disbursement amount per student will be $800.
• Total disbursement for this category was $1,188,000.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $67,200 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Fall 2021 disbursement to $1,120,800 for this category.

Spring 2022

• Disbursement amount per student will be $1,475.
• Total disbursement for this category was $1,407,150.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $67,850 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Spring 2022 disbursement to $1,339,300 for this category.

Summer 2022

• Disbursement amount per student was $23.40.
• Total disbursement for this category was $21,551.40.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $2,082.60 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Summer 2022 disbursement to $19,468.80.

Fall 2022 (Summer 2022 Re-Dispersal)

• Disbursement amount per student was $31.53.
• Total disbursement for this category was $28,913.01.
• The college determined that forfeited unclaimed funds totaled $2,774.64 for this category. Deducting these funds from the total amount initially disbursed to this category reduces the Fall 2022 (Summer 2022 Re-Dispersal) amount to $26,138.37.

Total disbursement for this category = $1,188,000 (Fall 2021), Less Fall 2021 Forfeit Amount $67,200, and $1,407,150 (Spring 2022), Less Spring 2022 Forfeit Amount $67,850 and $21,551.40 (Summer 2022), Less Summer 2022 Forfeit $93.60 and $28,913.01 (Summer 2022 FINAL), Less Summer 2022 (Re-Dispersal) Forfeit Amount $4,763.64 = $2,505,707.17.

4. An additional forfeit amount since September 26, 2022 was identified and reconciled by the Business Office and Grant Accounting which totaled $96,577.60. Per those offices, the adjustments to the general ledger could not be reconciled down to individual students or student groups (1-3) described above. Therefore, student reporting could not correct forfeit amounts per identified groups (1-3 above).

5. (A) Spring 2023 (Summer 2022 Re-Dispersal #2)
• Students were eligible from the Summer 2022 disbursements; had no forfeited funds returned to the college from previous disbursements
• Each of the remaining students was assigned a random number using a random number generator. Those students were sorted in a spreadsheet from lowest to highest random number assigned. Awards were made to the first 105 students on that randomized list.
• Disbursement amount per student was $1000
• Total disbursement for 105 students was $105,000

TOTAL AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO ALL THREE GROUPS ABOVE = $8,972,500 (Fall 2021), Less Fall 2021 Forfeit Amount #1 $177,900, Less Fall 2021 Forfeit Amount #2 $12,800, and $9,186,475 (Spring 2022), Less Spring 2022 Forfeit Amount $15,850, Less Spring 2022 Forfeit Amount #2 $37,100, Less Spring 2022 Forfeit Amount #3 $120,300 and $89,551.80 (Summer 2022), Less Summer 2022 Forfeit $163.80, $120,444.60 (Summer 2022 FINAL), Less Summer 2022 Forfeit Amount #2 $3,135.60, Less Summer 2022 Forfeit Amount #3 $4,571.85, Less additional forfeit amount $96,577.60, and Final Disbursement Amount of $105,000.00 = $18,005,572.55 Total ARPA disbursements.

5. (B) Spring 2023 (Additional Disbursements Required)

The college had a remaining amount of CRRSAA/CARES funds that reverted to ARP funds which totaled $153,393.30 as well as a forfeit amount of $85,886.60 for that pool of funds. The total allocated from this pool of reverted ARP money is $239,279.90. A total amount of $395,000.00 will be awarded in $1000 award amounts to 395 students (see award methodology below). This disbursement was $155,720.10 in excess of the required amount to disburse in order to meet the federal spending requirements for this pool of money. All excess funds disbursed were paid by institutional accounts per the Vice President of Finance.

Award methodology for additional disbursements:

• Students were eligible from the Summer 2022 disbursements; had no forfeited funds returned to the college from previous disbursements
• Each of the remaining students was assigned a random number using a random number generator. Those students were sorted in a spreadsheet from lowest to highest random number assigned. Awards were made to student 106-501 on that randomized list.
• Disbursement amount per student was $1000
• Total disbursement for 395 students was $395,000.

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

  Emails were sent to all eligible students on November 19, 2021 notifying them of their eligibility for the December 3, 2021 disbursement. Students were instructed to log into their My.Hinds account, go to “Student Finance,” “CARES 2,” and look under the “ARPA Student” heading. Questions and concerns should be directed to HEERF@hindscc.edu. The college website includes a FAQ on ARP (HEERF III) where students can find answers to general questions.

  Emails were sent to all eligible students on April 18, 2022, notifying them of their eligibility for the April 29, 2022 disbursement. The instructions that will be given to the students to log into My.Hinds account are the same as above.

  Emails were sent to all eligible students on July 20, 2022, notifying them of their eligibility for the July 21, 2022 disbursement. The instructions that were given to students to log into My.Hinds account are the same as above.

  Emails were sent to eligible students on October 3, 2022, notifying them of their eligibility for the October 7, 2022 disbursement. The instructions that were given to students to log into My.Hinds account are the same as above.

  Emails were sent to eligible students on April 6, 2023, notifying them of their eligibility for the April 21, 2023 disbursement. The instructions that were given to students to log into My.Hinds account are the same as above.

The College website includes a FAQ on ARP(HEERF III) where students can find answers to general questions.

Updated May 11, 2020

To address some of the more immediate needs that you, as post-secondary students, might have during this time, Congress and the President of the United States of America enacted and signed the CARES Act on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act allocated funds to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) for each college and university to use, under strict regulation from the federal government, for students who experienced significant disruption to the campus operations as defined by the Act due to the COVID-19 National Emergency which was declared on March 13, 2020.

Students who have completed a FAFSA do not have to complete an additional application in order to receive these emergency funds. Students who have NOT completed a 2019-20 FAFSA will need to do so at www.studentaid.gov to complete the FAFSA and list Hinds CC as one of their college choices using School Code 002407. These results must be on file with the Office of Financial Aid on or before May 22, 2020 to be considered for these funds.

No. The CARES Act set certain conditions that must be met for students to establish eligibility for these funds. Students who will qualify for HEERF:

1. Students who were enrolled and attending face-to-face or hybrid classes on March 13, 2020.
2. Students who are eligible to receive Title IV funds. (Please note that this does not mean that students actually received federal financial aid funds.)
3. Students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Students who will not qualify for HEERF:

1. Students enrolled in 100% online classes.
2. Students who are in default on prior student loans.
3. Dual Credit/Dual Enrolled students cannot be included due to this group not having a High School diploma or equivalent.
4. KLLM students (not enrolled in a Title IV eligible program)
5. DACA and International students
6. MiBest students who have not been classified as Career Pathway

The federal criteria for receiving funding through the CARES Act states a student must be Title IV eligible. The federal criteria includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen;
2. a valid Social Security number;
3. registration with Selective Service (if the student is male);
4. a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.

In order for Hinds CC to determine if a student is eligible for Title IV funds, students should complete a 2019-20 FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. (Hinds CC School Code is 002407)

Results from the FAFSA should be on file with the Office of Financial Aid by May 22, 2020.

Students should monitor their my.hinds account under “Account Activity.”

No. Emergency financial aid grants awarded through the CARES Act do not require repayment.

There will be two disbursements to students who had completed a FAFSA by May 8. Those funds will be available to eligible students on May 15 and May 29. Students who complete the FAFSA and have their results in the Office of Financial Aid by May 22 and are found to be eligible to receive Title IV funds will receive a single disbursement on May 29.

At institutions that provide both online and ground-based education, those students who were enrolled exclusively in an online program on March 13, 2020, the date of the President’s Proclamation, “Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak,” Federal Register Vol. 85, No. 53 at 1533738, are not eligible for emergency financial aid grants. The formula provided by Congress for calculating the distribution of funds to institutions excludes students who were exclusively enrolled in distance education courses. Additionally, the emergency financial aid grants to students are for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, and students who were enrolled exclusively in online programs would not have expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

Hinds CC’s Student Access Center will be available to assist students with questions they may have about completing the FAFSA. Please email them at StudentAccessCenter@hindscc.edu to set up a virtual help session. Students may also refer to this Youtube video presented by Get2College which takes students through the application process.

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on December 27, 2020. This new law gives the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) approximately $22.7 billion to distribute to institutions of higher education in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus through the HEERF II. The CRRSAA requires that an institution receiving funding under section 314(a)(1) provide the “same amount” in financial aid grants to students from the new CRRSAA funds that it was required or which it would have been required to provide under its original CARES Act Student Aid Portion award.

Institutions must make financial aid grants to students, which can be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care. Unlike the CARES Act, the HEERF II (CRRSAA) requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. However, students do not need to be only Pell recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants.

Unlike the CARES Act, the HEERF II (CRRSAA) requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. However, students do not need to be only Pell recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants.

No, eligibility is being reviewed for all students enrolled at Hinds Community College during the Fall 2020 and/or Spring 2021 semesters. No additional action is needed by students at this time.

Hinds Community College disbursed $5,241,050 of HEERF II funds directly to students on May 7, 2021 to eligible students who were enrolled in credit bearing courses at Hinds Community College in the Fall 2020 and/or Spring 2021 semesters. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students and International students are NOT eligible.

The college was responsible for determining the neediest students and ensuring that these students received funds. These funds are applicable to students who were enrolled during Fall 2020 and/or Spring 2021 semesters. Students qualify in one of three categories below.

1. Students who are not qualified for Federal Student Aid due to Satisfactory Academic Progress ineligibility (hours of enrollment were taken into account when determining amounts).
   1. Disbursement amounts per student range from $250—$1,500
   2. Total disbursement for this category was $568,500
2. Students with need determined by Expected Family Contribution (EFC) level on the FAFSA (various amount levels were determined based on the financial aid EFC structure).
   1. Disbursement amounts per student range from $250—$1,500
   2. Total disbursement for this category was $4,159,750
3. Students who did not complete a FAFSA (all students have some basic need, including those without any financial aid paperwork on file).
   1. Disbursement amounts per student range from $200—$400
   2. Total disbursement for this category was $512,800

Emails were sent to all eligible students on May 6, 2021 informing them of their eligibility for the May 7, 2021 disbursement.

Funds are being disbursed to students on Friday, May 7, 2021. Please check your My.Hinds for details.

HEERF II funding will NOT be applied to your Hinds Community College account. Even if you have outstanding tuition and fees, your funds will be distributed directly to you. If you wish to use these funds to pay your account balance, please make a payment with the Business Office.

HEERF II funding is available for out-of-state students.

No, DACA or International Students are not eligible to receive this funding.

No, however, if you have not already made a refund selection preference with BankMobile, you should do so immediately at RefundSelection.com. Any eligible student who does not select a refund preference may see a significant delay in receiving funds.

Awards range from $200—$1,500 per student based on need. Awards differ based on enrollment status and individual need. Students should review their specific amount in their My.Hinds account and view the term “Cares Act Disbursement.”

Every college receives different amounts of funds from the United States Department of Education. Each college is responsible for determining award levels based on their neediest students. Because each college has a different amount of money, a different number of eligible students, and different levels of need, student grant amounts will vary both within the institution and by college.

This current round of funding for May 7, 2021 will be provided to students in one disbursement. Additional funds may become available to the college at a later date and those additional disbursements will be communicated to eligible students at that time.

No, you do not need to repay this grant.

No, this is a one-time grant that will not affect your existing financial aid.

Yes, students who were enrolled in Fall 2020 and/or Spring 2021 and meet eligibility criteria can receive emergency grant funds.

You may email HEERF@hindscc.edu with any questions you have and someone will respond to you as quickly as they can.

The third installation of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) (Public Law 117-2) and was signed into law on March 11, 2021. This new law gives the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) approximately $39.6 billion to distribute to institutions of higher education in order to further prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. While HEERF III is structured similarly to the previous HEERF II (provided under the CRRSAA) and HEERF I (provided under the CARES Act), some differences do apply.

Institutions must make financial aid grants to students, which can be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to COVID-19, such as tuition, food, housing, healthcare (including mental healthcare), or childcare. Similar to the CRRSAA funds (HEERF II), institutions must still prioritize students with exceptional financial needs, such as students who receive Pell Grants. Still, students need not ONLY be Pell recipients or Pell Grant eligible to receive HEERF III monies.

Funds from HEERF I (CARES Act) were disbursed to students who were 1) eligible to receive Title IV funding, 2) enrolled in face-to-face or hybrid classes, and 3) were making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students enrolled in 100% online classes were not eligible.

Unlike the CARES Act, the HEERF II (CRRSAA) required institutions to prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. However, students did not need to be only Pell recipients or Pell eligible to receive funds.

For HEERF III (ARPA), institutions must still prioritize students with exceptional financial need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. Still, students need not only be Pell recipients or Pell Grant eligible to receive HEERF III monies.

No, eligibility is being reviewed for all students enrolled at Hinds Community College during the Fall 2021 and/or Spring 2022 semesters. No additional action is needed by students at this time. Additionally, the college reviewed eligibility for all students in the subsequent semesters which included the Summer 2022, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. No additional action was needed by students for those terms either.

The federal government has established guidelines for colleges and universities to allocate HEERF III funds to their students. The college was responsible for determining the neediest students and ensuring that these students received funds, however. Based on those guidelines, Hinds Community College will be disbursing funds to students using the plan given in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) (HEERF III) section in the Student Grant Reporting area on the college website located above this FAQ.

Funds are being disbursed on Friday, December 3, 2021 for eligible Fall 2021 students. Please log into your My.Hinds account and go to “Student Finance,” “CARES 2,” and then look under the “ARPA Student” heading for details. Emails were sent to all eligible students on April 18, 2022 notifying them of their eligibility for the April 29, 2022 disbursement. The instructions that will be given to the students to log into their My.Hinds account are the same as above.

Additional funds were disbursed on July 21 and October 7, 2022. Emails were sent to eligible students on July 20 and October 3, 2022, notifying them of their eligibility for those disbursements. The instructions that were given to students to log into My.Hinds account are the same as above.

For the final disbursement, emails were sent to eligible students on April 6, 2023, notifying them of their eligibility for the April 21, 2023 disbursement. The instructions that were given to students were to log into My.Hinds account to locate Student Finances.

HEERF III funding will NOT be applied to your Hinds Community College account. Even if you have outstanding tuition and fees, your funds will be distributed directly to you. If you wish to use these funds to pay towards your account balance, please make a payment with the Business Office.

Yes, HEERF III funding is available to out-of-state students.

Yes, HEERF III funding is available to DACA and International students.

No. However, if you have not already made a refund selection preference with BankMobile, you should do so immediately at www.RefundSelection.com. Any eligible student who does not select a refund preference by the disbursement date may see a significant delay in receiving funds.

Specific award amounts differed based on enrollment status and individual need. Please refer to the HEERF Student Reporting Section/American Rescue Plan (HEERF III) on the Hinds Community College website for a breakdown of how need was determined for different categories of students, terms for disbursements and amounts. Students should review their specific amount by logging into their My.Hinds account and going to “Student Finance,” “CARES 2,” and then looking under “ARPA Student.”

Every college receives different amounts of funds from the United States Department of Education. Each college is responsible for determining award levels based on their neediest students. Because each college has a different amount of money, a different number of eligible students, and different levels of need, student grant amounts will vary both within the institution and by college.

Eligible students enrolled at the time of the December 3, 2021 distribution received one disbursement. Eligible students enrolled at the time of the April 29, 2022 distribution received one disbursement. Students enrolled in both fall and spring semesters were eligible for two disbursements, one in each semester of enrollment. Eligible students enrolled at the time of the July 21, 2022 distribution received one disbursement. As additional funding became available to the college during later dates, those disbursements were communicated to eligible students.

No, you do not need to repay this grant.

No, this is a one-time grant that will not affect your existing financial aid.

You may email HEERF@hindscc.edu with any questions you have, and someone will respond to you as quickly as they can.