Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

Commonwealth University's legacy institutions received funds in accordance with the Higher Education Emergency Relief programs provided from the federal government during the COVID-19 crisis. The reports for each section of funding can be found below.

Bloomsburg University HEERF Grants

Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg (formerly Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania) received funds in accordance with the Higher Education Emergency Relief programs provided from the federal government during the COVID-19 crisis.  The reports for each section of funding can be found below.

Original, Quarterly Updates and Corrections Made through 2022 contained in this file.

HEERF 1 CARES Reporting - 6/30/2021

Lock Haven University HEERF Grants

Commonwealth University-Lock Haven and CU-Clearfield (formerly Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania) received funds in accordance with the Higher Education Emergency Relief programs provided from the federal government during the COVID-19 crisis.  The reports for each section of funding can be found below.

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) was passed to provide additional relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19. ARP funds provided $39.6 billion in support to higher education institutions to serve students. Under ARP section 2003 (a)(1), Lock Haven University was allocated $9,038,552. Decisions regarding the distribution of funds is ongoing and students will be notified via their LHU email when they are available.

HEERF III ARP Reporting

Mansfield University HEERF Grants

Commonwealth University-Mansfield (formerly Mansfield University of Pennsylvania) received funds in accordance with the Higher Education Emergency Relief programs provided from the federal government during the COVID-19 crisis.  The reports for each section of funding can be found below.

CARES Act Emergency Aid Grant - Spring 2021

The CARES Act Emergency Aid Grant application is now available for the Spring 2021 semester. Eligible students may request a one-time grant to assist with expenses related to a disruption of campus services due to COVID-19.

In order to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Valid 2020 FAFSA on file
  • Meet the eligibility requirements for federal student aid, which includes, but is not limited to:
    • Satisfactory academic progress
    • Registered for Selective Service (males over 18 years of age)
    • Not in default or have an overpayment of any federal student aid
  • Enrolled for the spring semester in a program that is normally a face to face program.

To complete the online application:

  1. Go to mansfield.verifymyfafsa.com
    1. If this is your first time accessing this site, you will be asked to verify your first name, last name, date of birth and social security number. You must enter the information exactly as it was entered on your FAFSA or you will receive an error message. Once you have verified your identity, you will be able to log in using your Mansfield University email and password.

*If you receive a "stale request" message when clicking on the link, please sign out of all platforms that utilize the Single Sign On (MU email and password), close your browser and open a new session. Type "mansfield.verifymyfafsa.com" into your browser’s address bar and you should then be taken to the log in screen.

  1. In the top right-hand corner, click on the button to add a request – "+ Request"
  2. From the pop-up menu, click on the + next to emergency aid request
  3. Provide a short reason for the request and hit submit
  4. You will be automatically redirected back to your "task" page to complete the emergency aid request application
  5. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email notification of the outcome (approved, denied, or a request for additional information)

CARES Act Emergency Aid Grant - Fall 2020

The CARES Act Emergency Aid Grant application is now available for the fall 2020 semester. Eligible students may request a one-time grant to assist with expenses related to a disruption of campus services due to COVID-19.

In order to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Valid 2020 FAFSA on file

Meet the eligibility requirements for federal student aid, which includes, but is not limited to:

  • Satisfactory academic progress
    • Registered for Selective Service (males over 18 years of age)
    • Not in default or have an overpayment of any federal student aid
  • Enrolled for the fall semester in a program that is normally a face to face program.

To complete the online application:

If this is your first time accessing this site, you will be asked to verify your first name, last name, date of birth and social security number. You must enter the information exactly as it was entered on your FAFSA or you will receive an error message. Once you have verified your identity, you will be able to log in using your Mansfield University email and password.

  1. In the top right-hand corner, click on the button to add a request – "+ Request" From the pop-up menu, click on the + next to emergency aid request
  2. Provide a short reason for the request and hit submit
  3. You will be automatically redirected back to your "task" page to complete the emergency aid request application
  4. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email notification of the outcome (approved, denied, or a request for additional information)

What is the CARES Act Emergency Aid Grant?

What is the CARES Act emergency aid block grant?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Using a formula established by Congress, the funds were allocated to institutions of higher education to provide emergency financial aid grants to eligible students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

Department of Education guidance requires that grant recipients meet federal student aid eligibility requirements. Requirements include, but are not limited to:

  • Be enrolled in a degree program
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, a permanent resident, or an eligible noncitizen
  • Valid 2019-20 FAFSA on file
  • Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Not in default on any federal loans
  • No overpayments on federal grants or loans

Additionally, the Department of Education has stated students enrolled in an exclusively online program are not eligible because they were not impacted by a disruption of campus services.

How much is the block grant?

Mansfield University is awarding a one-time $500 grant to each student that meets the eligibility requirements set forth by the Department of Education.

What can it be used for?

The emergency aid grants can be used for expenses associated with standard cost of attendance items such as food, housing, childcare, transportation, books and other supplies and technology.

I'm experiencing a significant financial hardship. Is more funding available?

Additional funding for extreme situations will be available soon. Check back soon for the funding policy and application information.