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 did not need to apply.

Students who meet these eligibility requirements in Spring 2020, did not need to apply for funding and were automatically awarded in May 2020; 

• 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• Not already be completely withdrawn from the Spring 2020 semester;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.

Students who meet these eligibility requirements in Fall 2020, did not need to apply for funding and were automatically awarded in September 2020; 

• Had been enrolled as a degree-seeking student in one or more in-person courses for Fall 2020 semester and had the instruction mode in one or more courses changed due to the pandemic;
• Completed the 2020/2021 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 Fall 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, need to apply through the CARES Act Emergency Grant Application. The application opened May 4, 2020 and closed September 28, 2020.

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 for Spring 2020.

CARES Act Emergency Grant funds will begin being released via direct deposit and checks September 29, 2020 for Fall 2020.