Higher Ed Funding | Graphic by Dylan Collison | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University (WSU) has received notification of it’s Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) allocation for the second time since the start of the coronavirus.
Broken down into two categories, WSU is allotted $5,070,423 by way of Student Aid Portion Funds and $12,301,669 by way of Institutional Portion Funds.
“We are now seeking further detail and understanding from the Department of Education (DOE) before finalizing plans for use of the funds,” WSU said in a statement provided to The Wright State Guardian Media Group. “All of the universities in Ohio sought additional guidance on the use of the initial allocation, and we found that supplemental information very helpful.”
WSU is expecting to receive a second round of insight on the appropriate use of HEERF II funds allocated for institutional purposes in the weeks forthcoming.
DOE guidance
Initial guidance from the DOE states that in regard to Student Aid Portion Funds, 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.
Emergency costs may include but are not limited to tuition, food, housing, health care or child care.
Unlike the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants, and authorizes grants to students exclusively enrolled in distance education.
“CRRSAA continues to support the important work of addressing students’ unmet needs by providing a minimum amount of funding that each institution must devote towards financial aid grants to students,” said the DOE in a press release announcing support to higher education in January of this year.
The DOE describes Institutional Portion Funds as those used to defray expenses associated with coronavirus including but not limited to lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, technology costs associated with a transition to distance education, faculty and staff training and payroll.
Funds received in the first round of HEERF dollars were utilized by WSU to upgrade technology in 119 classrooms on the Dayton campus and 10 rooms on the Lake campus, as well as the purchasing of headsets, laptops and mobile hotspots ensuring the university would be up-to-date for remote delivery teaching methods.
Institutional funds may also be used to make additional financial aid grants to students.
Faculty response
The complexity of applying for and receiving federal funds for WSU’s students and the institution as a whole is a daunting task.
Faculty President Laura Leuhrmann gives credit to President Sue Edwards and her administration for the work that has continued to transpire that benefits the WSU community in truly unprecedented times.
“I think we all recognize that this money is absolutely fundamental,” Leuhrmann said. “This money helps make sure that we have all of the technology needed in classrooms to support remote learning as well as taking the pressure off of students who may have increased costs due to coronavirus emergencies. This money is absolutely critical.”
Associate Professor at WSU Lake Campus and Faculty Senator Dr. Megan Faragher echoed the importance of Wright State receiving federal relief funds.
“Students in college now are facing a challenge that is truly unprecedented in the history of higher education. They should not be punished by circumstances for their efforts. I am amazed at the resilience of our students every day and I only hope funding like this can help students achieve their education goals,” said Faragher.
