On December 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) was signed into law, authorizing funding for higher education institutions, as well as funding to be directed to qualifying students, through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.

Western Connecticut State University received an allocation of $7,148,969 of which $2,128,197 was determined to be given to students as a grant.

Eligibility parameters were established based on the stipulations of the Federal HEERF II Act, the U.S. Department of Education guidelines, the recommendations of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, CSCU and Western Connecticut State University.  

In order to be eligible for such grant funds, students must be:

• U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, and
• Enrolled and matriculated in Spring 2021 as of February 19, 2021.

Eligible students received an email notification from the Cashier’s Office with a link to the HEERF II Options page. This link was sent only to eligible students.

Students who qualify for HEERF II funds can receive the funds as a refund or can opt to have the funds applied to any outstanding balance (if applicable).

Students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit through TouchNet to expedite the refund. Follow the steps provided in the HEERF II options page.  

Eligibility parameters were established based on the stipulations of the Federal HEERF II Act, the U.S. Department of Education guidelines, the recommendations of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, CSCU and Western Connecticut State University. 

Students were determined to be ineligible for such grant funds if they met any of the following:

• Non-degree seeking students
• Undocumented students
• Students who indicated they are a non-citizen or have no citizen status in our Student Information System (Banner) in the absence of a valid FAFSA
• Students over 62 years of age who are receiving free tuition, and
• Those who receive state employee tuition waivers

For questions related to the HEERF II grant distribution, please email the Cashiers Office at requestcashiers@wcsu.educreate new email.