FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CARES Act Emergency Aid Funding (Livingstone College Policy)

What is the CARES Act Emergency Fund provided by the federal government?

·        The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which supplies emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic.

When will CARES Act Funds be available?

·        Livingstone College applied for a federal CARES Act grant and received funding from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). During the week of May 11, 2020, Livingstone College will begin to distribute grants to students impacted by COVID-19 based on their financial needs. Grant recipients will be notified through their Livingstone College email accounts. 

Who is eligible for CARES Act Funds?

·        Students enrolled at least half time as of March 13, 2020 and be eligible for Federal Title IV financial aid. The Financial Aid Office will use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file to determine your eligibility. Students not deemed eligible on March 13, 2020 are ineligible for the funds.

·        Unfortunately, the DOE does not allow these funds to be used for international students, undocumented students, non-matriculated students, students enrolled in distance learning before March 13, 2020, students not meeting satisfactory academic progress, and students not eligible for Federal Student Aid as determined by the DOE.

How much funding will I receive?

·        Award amounts will vary by student as determined by the FAFSA. Students who demonstrate the most need will receiver higher amounts.

How will I receive funds?

·        Students will receive paper checks mailed to their address on file.  If your address is not correct please go to your JICS account and update immediately.

Can I request additional funding?

·        No, award amounts are final as funding is limited. This is a one-time payment unless the federal government passes a subsequent law which includes emergency funding for higher education institutions.

Half of the CARES Act funding is going to Livingstone College students as required by the federal government. How is the College using the other 50 percent of the funds distributed?

·        Colleges and universities will receive allocations and guidance for the institutional share of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund in the coming weeks. Institutions will be able to use these funds to cover costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.

What if I have an outstanding balance due to the College, will the CARES emergency funding apply to my student account balance?

·        No, the CARES emergency funding will not apply to your student account balance.  You are still responsible for resolving any balance due to the College even if you receive emergency funding provided by the CARES Act.

 Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

The virus spreads between people in a way similar to influenza, via respiratory droplets from coughing. The time between exposure and symptom onset is typically five days, but may range from two to fourteen days. Symptoms are most often fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Complications may include pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, but research is ongoing. Efforts are aimed at managing symptoms and supportive therapy. Recommended preventive measures include handwashing, maintaining distance from other people (particularly those who are sick), and monitoring and self-isolation for fourteen (14) days for people who suspect they are infected. 

As we seek to maintain a healthy Living Learning Community, Livingstone College is adopting the following protocols in response to The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Contagion: 

I. Protection Protocol 

Clean your hands often 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. 
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 

Avoid close contact 

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick 
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. 

Take steps to protect others 

Cover coughs and sneezes 

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a face mask if you are sick 

  • If you are sick: You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a face mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.


II. Prevention Protocol 

In order to prevent the spread of this contagion, we are taking the following steps 

  • Our Physical Plant Contractor (ABM) has increased disinfecting common areas on campus to include the cafeteria a minimum of 3 times daily.
  • Our Physical Plant Contractor (ABM) has changed the disinfectant used to include a chemical that kills 99.9% of all viruses.

We are suspending all assemblies and gatherings on the campus until further notice. And we will keep you informed as it relates to Honors Convocation and Commencement scheduled for dates in April and May

III. Personal Protocol 

  • Faculty, Staff & Administration – Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Contact your physician to be screened for Coronavirus (COVID-19) if you have the following symptoms
                          A. A fever of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher
                          B. Coughing
                          C. Shortness of breath
  • Livingstone College Students – If you have the aforementioned symptoms, please call 6111, and a health professional will provide you with instructions related to reporting to the Health Center for appropriate screening.
  • We have identified Contagion Containment areas, where individuals will be quarantined for 14-days.

IV. Positive Protocol 

Due to the aggressive uncertain nature of this COVID-19 contagion, we are prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure that the academic preparation of our students will not be disrupted in the event that the Coronavirus is isolated on our campus. We have a contingency plan in place that may include closing the campus if necessary.