Morton College will use the $1,266,322 million it received as part of the federal CoronaVirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to directly support students who have demonstrated need and are facing significant financial challenges related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) on or after March 13, 2020.
The disbursement, from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, is designed to prioritize students with the greatest demonstrated need and ensure that funds are distributed as widely as possible.
“As the COVID pandemic continues, the hardships—financial and otherwise—presented by this global crisis continues to deeply affect our students, their families, and many others in our college community” said Stan Fields, Morton College President. “The well-being and academic success of our students remain our top priority, and we are committed to doing all that we can to support them during this incredibly challenging time.”
In alignment with Department of Education regulations, the College will disburse the CARES Act funds to Title IV-eligible Morton College students with the greatest identified need, i.e. those with an expected family contribution of $0. In addition, each recipient must have received financial aid (Title IV or Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) for the Spring 2020 semester, and meet all Financial Aid Requirements including but not limited to:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or national, permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Be registered with Selective Service if you are male over the age of 17
- Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Making satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
- Not owe an overpayment on Title IV grants or loans
- Not be in default on a Title IV loan.
Each eligible student will receive awards ranging from $695 to $772. Morton College will disburse funds to qualifying students in the coming weeks. Students who have already signed up for direct deposit will receive their grants faster than those who will be mailed checks. Students who meet the above criteria will receive notification and further instructions via their Morton College email. More information is also available at https://www.morton.edu/cares-act-heerf/.
At Morton College, the Student Services team is working hard to support students and assist them in achieving successful completion of the Spring 2020 semester. In addition to the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, students can also apply for the MC Student Emergency Fund. This fund provides eligible students facing short-term, non-recurring financial emergencies with assistance through grants ranging from $100 – $500. Students can also apply to receive a laptop that they can keep. The academic lifetime ban will be lifted until the end of the Spring 2020 semester. For more information, and to download the application, visit http://bit.ly/MC_SEF.
The college is working diligently to ensure we diminish disruptions to our student’s progress to continuing their education. The federal student emergency grant will assist students to continue to stay focused on their studies and to ultimately achieve their educational goals. If you have additional questions, please email facovid@morton.edu.