Additional Covid Funding to help EACC students
East Arkansas Community College is expected to receive an additional $ 1.7 million to help support students and offset costs during the coronavirus pandemic.
The money is being awarded through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HERF FII) as authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA).
College officials said a minimum of $420,000 of the $1.7 million will be distributed directly to students in the form of disbursements, which will be the second since the pandemic began. The amount awarded to the college in this phase is about double what was received last year.
“We are thrilled to receive this official notification from the Department of Education for this funding,” said Dr. Cathie Cline, EACC President. “I am proud that our institution can help students, and also proud that this funding could impact our local economy. It is impactful to be able to put $420,000 directly into the hands of local consumers.”
Last spring and summer terms, CARES distribution checks were distributed to students based on the number of credit hours enrolled in per semester. Students were also required to be degree seeking and to have filled out a FAFSA. Students received funds in addition to any type of financial aid or tuition waiver they also received.
“We have not finalized the details for this disbursement for students, but the eligibility will be similar to the CARES funding distributed in spring and summer 2020 terms, which was degreeseeking students in six or more credit hours,” said Cline.
“I expect we can begin making disbursements around mid-to-late February, depending on when the Department of Education releases the funding,” said Dr. Cline.
In addition to student disbursements, the funding will be used for various institutional purposes, as was the first round.
Registration continues next week for the spring semester and classes begin on Tuesday, Jan. 19. The hours for registration are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours appointments are also available.
The campus will be closed Monday, Jan. 18, in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Students may register in person, online, via email, using Zoom, and by phone. Call 870633- 4480, ext. 252 or email advising@eacc.edu to schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor. The course schedule for spring classes is available online at EACC. edu, click on the Course Schedule link.
“If you have been waiting for a sign to go change your life for the better, this is it. Whether you want to change careers, upskill, reskill, learn something you love or better educate yourself, now is the time to register for the spring semester at EACC,” said Dr. Cline.