The following message was sent to students receiving the CARES Act funds:
We hope
you are well and are finishing your semester strong. We wanted to provide you with some information
regarding the federal government’s Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, how it affects you and
actions you need to take to receive your disbursement.
The federal government approved the CARES Act on March 27, 2020. This included an allocation of funds to higher
education institutions based on a specific calculation involving the number of students eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
The U.S. Department of Education provided specific instructions on the use and distribution method for those funds in a
communication released on April 20, 2020.
We are pleased to be able to provide direct emergency aid to our students for unexpected expenses, unmet financial
need or expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a
student's cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care).
It is our objective to provide these funds to as many currently enrolled Aquinas College students that met the
requirements set by the Department of Education as possible. Applications are not required. The College considered
several points in determining the individual award amounts, such as undergraduate, graduate, resident, commuter,
Federal Pell Grant eligibility, expected family contribution, etc.
In order to receive your disbursement by May 15, please complete the following by May 12, 2020: 1) Enter or update
your bank routing and account information on MyAQ. If we do not have your direct deposit information, you will be
mailed a check. and 2) Please review your current address listed on MyAQ. For questions or help with entering your
direct deposit information or updating your address, please contact studentaccounts@aquinas.edu or call (616)
632-2864 Monday-Thursday between 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Department of Education guidance for your use of these funds is described in the third paragraph of this letter. The
Internal Revenue Service has indicated that this grant is not included in your gross income for tax purposes.
We hope this information is helpful to you. We look forward to seeing you back on campus. Best wishes!
Instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid
Grants: