UAPB taking applications for relief funds

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students who would like to be considered for federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act emergency relief funds have have until June 30 to complete 2019-20 financial aid application forms, Chancellor Laurence Alexander wrote in an online memo to students.

In a question-and-answer format, Alexander explained in the memo how students can be eligible for the funding and other details.

Students who were enrolled at UAPB in the spring semester are eligible, he said in the memo. But they also must meet criteria to be deemed eligible according to regulations established by the Title IV program.

To receive CARES funds, students must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form on file. Alexander added that students who were exclusively enrolled in online courses before March 13 will not be eligible to participate in the program.

CARES Act funds provide assistance to higher-education institutions to cover some costs related to the disruption of campus operations due to covid-19. They cover expenses related to food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care.

UAPB established a CARES Act award plan approved by the University of Arkansas System and based on U.S. Department of Education guidelines.

If a student meets eligibility requirements:

■ Grant amounts will vary from $120 to $1,000 based on the number of credit hours students were enrolled in during the spring semester.

■ Students will not be required to repay the funds.

■ Money will be posted to students’ BankMobile accounts.

■ The UAPB Controller’s Office will begin processing funds as soon as possible. Distribution will occur over the next several weeks.