Covid-19

1. On April 14, 2020 Arlington Baptist University applied for the CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students and submitted a signed “Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement”. On April 24, 2020, notification was received that the Grant had been awarded and funds were available to be drawn.

 

2. On May 1, 2020, Arlington Baptist University initiated a draw of $75,816.00 – the amount available to the institution for the purpose of providing emergency financial aid grants to students who, as a result of disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, have experienced additional expenses related to the cost of attendance including food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. The draw was received and deposited on May 4, 2020.

 

3. Student Eligibility – to be eligible to receive a HEERF Grant at ABU, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Be an officially registered student of ABU in the Spring 2020 term.
2. Be registered for at least one course that was being taught only on campus prior to the disruption of operations due to Coronavirus.
3. Be eligible to participate in federal student aid programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
4. Experienced additional expenses in cost of attendance (including food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, childcare, and/or moving expenses due to dorm closures) as a result of the disruption of campus operations caused by Coronavirus.
5. It was determined based on the criteria above that 95 students were eligible for the HEERF Grant.

 

4. ABU used the following method for determining which students received grants and the amount of grant each student may be eligible to receive:

1. Only students who met the criteria outlined above were included. Subsection 3.c. above was met if the student had filed an application for Federal Student Aid for the 2019-2020 academic year by submitting a FAFSA to the U.S. Department of Education.
2. Each student was classified in one of the following classifications:
   • DP – Students who lived in the dorms and had applied for and received PELL grants.
   • DL – Students who lived in the dorms who were not eligible for PELL grants but had applied for and were eligible to receive Federal Student Loans.
   • CFP – Commuting students with full-time status (registered for at least 12 credit hours) who had applied for and received PELL grants.
   • CFL – Commuting students with full-time status who were not eligible for PELL grants but had applied for and were eligible to receive Federal Student Loans.
   • CPP – Commuting students with part-time status (registered for less than 12 credit hours) who had applied for and received PELL grants.
   • CPL – Commuting students with part-time status who were not eligible for PELL grants but had applied for and were eligible to receive Federal Student Loans.
3. The following assumptions were made:
   • Dorm students experienced the greatest amount of increased cost of attendance.
   • Full-time commuting students experienced a greater increase in cost of attendance that part-time commuting students.
   • Students that received PELL grants had fewer financial resources available to offset the increase in cost of attendance vs non-PELL eligible students.
4. Based on the assumptions identified above, a weighting was assigned to each classification of student as follows:
   • DP received a weighting of 6.
   • DL received a weighting of 5.
   • CFP received a weighting of 4.
   • CFL received a weighting of 3.
   • CPP received a weighting of 2.
   • CPL received a weighting of 1.
5. The total number of students in each classification was multiplied by the weighting to determine the total weight per classification. The sum of the total weights per classification was divided into the total amount of HEERF grant for students received by ABU to get a value per unit weight. The value per unit weight was then multiplied by the weighting of each classification to determine the amount of individual grant awarded based upon the classification. The amounts that may be awarded to a student per classification (including minor rounding adjustments) are as follows:
   • Students classified as DP may be eligible for a HEERF grant award of $1,129
   • Students classified as DL may be eligible for a HEERF grant award of $941
   • Students classified as CFP may be eligible for a HEERF grant award of $752
   • Students classified as CFL may be eligible for a HEERF grant award of $564
   • Students classified as CPP may be eligible for a HEERF grant award of $378
   • Students classified as CPL may be eligible for a HEERF grant award of $189
6. Following is the total number of students who may be eligible in each classification as well as summary totals:
   • 21 students classified as DP at $1,129 per student = $23,709 total
   • 18 students classified as DL at $841 per student = $16,938 total
   • 30 students classified as CFP at $752 per student = $22,560 total
   • 18 students classified as CFL at $564 per student = $10,152 total
   • 5 students classified as CPP at $378 per student = $1,890 total
   • 3 students classified as CPL at $189 per student = $567 total
   • 95 total students classified, and sum of all classifications is $75,816.
      

5. Communications to students have included the following:

1. On May 1, 2020, an email was sent to the ABU email address of all students who had been identified and classified as above. The body of the email described the grant, its origin and purpose, instructions on how to apply, and the application form.
2. On May 4, 2020, a text was sent to the same students informing them to check the inbox of their ABU email address for important information concerning the availability of the grant.
3. On May 12, 2020, another text was sent to the same students reminding them that grant money was available, but they had to apply.
4. On May 13, 2020, an email was sent to the ABU email address of all students who were awarded and disbursed on May 12, 2020 informing them of the award and check disbursement as well as reminding them of the purpose and qualifications for receiving the award.
5. On May 20, 2020, an email was sent to the ABU email address of all students who were awarded and disbursed on May 19, 2020 informing them of the award and check disbursement as well as reminding them of the purpose and qualifications for receiving the award.
6. For a copy of the actual communication that was sent to all students, click HERE.
    

6. Awards and disbursements to date are as follows:

1. On May 12, 2020, grants were awarded to 29 students and $24,834 was disbursed via checks that were processed and mailed to the main address of each student that was awarded that day.
2. On May 19, 2020, grants were awarded to 24 students and $20,127 was disbursed via checks that were processed and mailed to the main address of each student that was awarded that day.
3. On June 17, 2020, grants were awarded to 7 students and $5,256 was disbursed via checks that were processed and mailed to the main address of each student that was awarded that day.
4. On June 24, 2020, grants were awarded to 2 students and $1,693 was disbursed via checks that were processed and mailed to the main address of each student that was awarded that day.
5. On July 20, 2020 grants were awarded to 2 students and $1,130 was disbursed via checks that were processed and mailed to the main address of each student that was awarded that day.
6. On August 10, 2020 a grant was awarded to 1 student and $1,129 was disbursed via a check that was processed and mailed to the main address of the student that was awarded that day.
7. On September 15, 2020, grants were awarded to 3 students and $2822 was disbursed via checks that were processed and mailed to the main addresses of the students that were awarded that day.
8. There were no awards or disbursements during the 4th quarter of 2020.
9. On January 22, 2021, grants were awarded to 76 students and $18,817 was disbursed via checks that were processed and mailed to the main addresses of the students that were awarded that day.

7. HEERF II Supplemental Award and Disbursement Spring 2021

A. On March 3, 2021, supplemental awards in the amount of $75,816.00 was awarded to students.

B. On March 3, 2021, ABU initiated a draw in the amount of $75,816.00.

C. On April 26, 2021, $75,819.00 was disbursed to 142 students who were enrolled the Spring 2021 term. The disbursement amounts ranged in value from $73.00 - $873.00. The value determination was based upon full-time vs part-time, off campus vs on campus, the extent of the amount of federal student aid the student was eligible for.

 

8. HEERF III Suplemental Grant Award and Disbursement Spring 2023

1. On March 27, 2023, HEERF III supplemental grant awards in the amount of $243,262 were awarded to students based on the following criteria:
   1. Students who had a completed FAFSA on file with a calculated EFC were awarded based on the following scale:
      1. EFC of $0-$1,000 were awarded $2,000.
      2. EFC of $1,001-$10,000 were awarded $1,500.
      3. EFC of $10,001-$20,000 were awarded $1,000.
      4. EFC of $20,001 or greater were awarded $500.
   2. Once the FAFSA eligible students had been awarded, students who had not completed a FAFSA were given the opportunity to apply for the grant with an explanation of their need.  These applicants were awarded on a first come first served basis.
   3. All students were given the opportunity to have the funds disbursed to them with a check or to apply the award credit to their student account balances.  As the students made their decisions, the funds were applied or disbursed. Check disbursements were made starting April 4, 2023.  All funds were disbursed or credited by May 2, 2023.
   4. A total of 192 students were awarded HEERF III Supplemental grants.
2. On March 27, 2023 ABU initiated a draw of $243,262 which was deposited to its Federal Funds account on March 28, 2023.

 

The overall objective of these guidelines is to facilitate the safe return of our students, faculty, staff, and guests to the campus by implementing measures designed to safeguard against the contraction of COVID-19. Accordingly, we have developed a viable plan that offers safe and flexible options for participation in classes and activities in compliance with government directives, public health guidance and higher education best practices.

ALL CAMPUS BUILDINGS

As mandated by local government guidelines, masks MUST BE WORN by all students, faculty, staff, and guests when entering any ABU building and when social distancing is not possible.

As new students arrive to the campus, they will be required to complete a COVID-19 survey and temperature check.

Students, faculty, staff and guests will be expected to sanitize their hands when entering and existing all campus buildings.

Classrooms

Masks MUST BE WORN by all students, faculty, staff, and guests when social distancing is not possible.

Classrooms will be configured to accommodate students for social distancing using individual desks and chairs.

Off-campus students will be required to have their temperature checked as they arrive on campus.

CAFETERIA

The cafeteria will be configured for social distancing and the meals will be take-out style.

Students, faculty, staff and guests will be expected to sanitize their hands when entering and existing the cafeteria.

DORMS

Students will be expected to sanitize their hands when entering and exiting the dorm.

Temperature checks will be conducted each evening.

TOURS/GUESTS

All guests scheduled for campus tours must follow local government requirements for face covering and adhere to the social distancing requirements.

MISCELLANEOUS

Students who test positive for COVID will be asked to go home for quarantine and remote instruction will apply. 

We will furnish one suite per dorm for immediate quarantine until the student(s) can go home.

In the event of a widespread outbreak of COVID, we would move on-campus classes to remote learning.

 

Helpful Websites

 

Center for Disease Control

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html

 

Texas Department of Health & Safety Services

https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

Arlington Baptist University takes the health and safety of our entire community very seriously. Accordingly, there are many concerns with how we could be affected by the evolving situation with the risk of being exposed to the virus that causes Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although risks in our operating areas are currently thought to be very low, we are implementing a plan to mitigate the risks of exposure.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION FOR PREVENTION

Everyone should be or become familiar with information about the COVID-19 situation, the potential risks, and how to prevent the spread of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing information and updates on their website about the COVID-19 situation and we call your attention to the following links for more information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• CDC Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
• CDC Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/
• Texas Department of State Health Services COVID-19: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

All students, faculty, and staff should continue to employ strategies to lower the risks of infection and be proactive in these prevention strategies:

Best practices for COVID-19 are basically the same as for the FLU and should be standard practice during FLU Season, especially at School, Work, and Healthcare environments.

Properly Wash your hands often:

• Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap (bar or liquid).
• Thoroughly lather your hands by rubbing the together with soap.
• Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the palms, backs, fingers, between your fingers, and under your nails. Keep scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash hands before eating.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (elbow).
•  Stay home if you are sick.
•  Clean frequently touched surfaces and object.

Arlington Baptist University will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and further communicate to the ABU community when needed on other plans or actions the situation may warrant. Please actively monitor your ABU email and keep the school informed of any changes in your contact information so that further communications are not missed.

Again, we look forward to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and learning environment for everyone.

ABU appreciates your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging situation and ask that everyone remain proactive in prevention strategies in order to keep the risk of spreading the disease very low.