In response to the impact of COVID-19 on students and families, the United States Congress passed the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Aid that provides $6.3 billion in direct support to institutions. UNC Pembroke was awarded $6.2 million for institution and student support, of which $3.1 million has been designated for direct student emergency assistance. The remaining funding is designated as institutional support and will be used expenses related to the rapid response to COVID-19.
Per the U.S. Department of Education’s established criteria, to be eligible for funding students must have a valid FAFSA on file. Under these guidelines, students not eligible to receive funds are international, DACA and exclusively online students. However, any UNCP student experiencing a need can apply for support through the UNCP Student Emergency Assistance Fund.
CARES funding is being made available to cover a student’s expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19, including, but not limited to food insecurity, housing needs resulting from having to move off campus when residence halls closed, acquiring materials or technology-related expenses needed to complete coursework, health care, childcare, and transportation needs.
To receive funding, eligible students MUST submit an application indicating they have COVID-19 related needs. The online application is available when logging into your BraveWeb account. Students, especially graduating seniors, are strongly encouraged to complete the application as quickly as possible. While we are committed to ensuring all students indicating a need have access to funding, requests may exceed funding availability.
CARES Act student emergency grant award amounts will be dependent on the individual student’s demonstrated need defined by FAFSA and EFC (estimated family contribution) and full-time or part-time status.
Student awards will go through student accounts, and students will receive funding either by direct deposit (if an account is on file) or by mailed check. While the funds will go through student accounts, they will not be used to reduce or offset existing or future account balances.
For questions related to student aid from the CARES Act Emergency Relief Aid, please contact the UNCP Office of Financial Aid at 910.521.6255 or fa@uncp.edu.
FAQs
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Where do I apply for funding?
You can find the online application by logging into your BraveWeb account.
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The semester has ended and I haven't submitted my application yet, can I still submit it?
We recommend you apply as soon as possible. Requests may exceed funding availability. Graduating seniors need to apply immediately.
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Are international students eligible?
No. The Department of Education requires that students meet federal financial aid eligibility criteria. International students can apply for assistance through the UNCP Student Emergency Relief Fund.
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Do I have to complete a FAFSA to be eligible?
Yes. The Department of Education requires that students meet federal financial aid eligibility criteria and have a FAFSA on file.
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I was approved for a CARES Act grant, how will I receive the money?
The funds will be posted to your student account, but will not be applied to any outstanding or future balances. If your bank account information is on file, it will be deposited directly into your account. If you have not yet signed up for a direct deposit, you can do so by completing the required information in BraveWeb. Otherwise, grant funds will be issued by mailed check.
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I was not enrolled for the Spring 2020 semester, am I eligible?
No, you must have been enrolled at UNCP for the spring 2020 semester to qualify for assistance.
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Are graduate students eligible?
Yes, graduate students may be eligible to receive funding.