Based on the guidance from the US Department of Education, the college has developed a formula to identify students who have had a significant disruption to their education due to the movement of in-person courses to an online format. Additionally, the college is using guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and using the FAFSA to ensure student eligibility for Title IV federal assistance.  Students identified through this process will not need to apply.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, you do not need to apply for funding; the college will process funds automatically for you:

• Had been enrolled as a degree-seeking student in one or more in-person courses for Spring 2020 semester;
• Completed the 2019/2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing WNC’s school code (013896);
• Meet all of the following eligibility requirements to receive Federal Student Aid (referred to as Title IV). These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • You are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen;
  • You have a valid Social Security number;
  • If you are male, you are registered with the Selective Service;
  • You have a high school diploma, GED, or completed high school in an approved homeschool setting;
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements;
• Completed  your Financial Assistance Checklist and have no outstanding To Do List Items;
• Not already be completely withdrawn from the Spring 2020 semester;
• Not be included in one of the following student groups: Apprenticeships, Prison Groups, JumpStart/High School Dual Enrollment, Winter Session Only, Faculty/Staff or their dependent using Grant in Aid.

The college has allocated a portion of CARES funds to help otherwise qualifying students who are not identified through the automatic awarding process. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

• Had been enrolled as a degree-seeking student in one or more in-person courses for Spring 2020 semester;
• Completed the 2019/2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing WNC’s school code (013896);
• Meet all eligibility requirements to receive Federal Student Aid (Title IV, HEA);
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements;
• Complete Financial Assistance Checklist and have no outstanding To Do List Items;

Students who were not identified as part of the formula, will need to apply through the CARES Act Emergency Grant Application. The application will open May 4, 2020.

If students aren’t approved for CARES Act Emergency Grants, the college will automatically review applications to see if the student is eligible for other campus emergency funding options that may not have the same restrictions.

CARES Act Emergency Grant Application

Award amounts will vary based on Enrollment Level and Estimated Family Contribution.  Award amounts begin at $100 and are capped at $1000.

The college will apply CARES Act Emergency Grant funds similar to other financial assistance.  The Controller’s Office will process a payment through the general student refund process using the student’s preferred fund delivery method.  Students are encouraged to ensure Direct Deposit Accounts or Mailing Address are up-to-date in the myWNC Student Center.

CARES Act Emergency Grant funds will not be applied to any outstanding balance students have with the college or be included on on the 1098T tax documentation.

CARES Act Emergency Grant funds will begin being released via direct deposit and checks May 6, 2020.