The University of New Mexico signed a certification and agreement with the US Department of Education agreeing to spend no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES act as Emergency Grants to students.

The University of New Mexico received $8,633,256 in funding. 100% of these funds will be spent on emergency grants for students. No student emergency grant funding was distributed between October 1 - December 31, 2020.

As of December 31, 2020, the University of New Mexico has distributed $8,593,463 of the CARES funds on Emergency Grants to students.

12,915 UNM students were eligible for funding through the CARES program through this quarter.

12,915 UNM students (at all five campuses) received funding through the CARES program through this quarter.

The funding was given to students who experienced disruption in their spring classes, either through the closing of the dormitories or due to the movement of classes online.  We distributed approximately 75% of funding to students with an expected family contribution (EFC) of $5500 or less as determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Another approximate 25% of the funding went to students with an expected family contribution of $5501 or higher.  We selected this EFC delineation as it mirrors the Pell grant eligibility range for EFC. There were 8242 students in the $5500 or under range and 4673 students above the $5500 range.  Students below $5500 received $779.  Students above $5500 received $465.  Students enrolled in all online classes before March 13, along with students not making academic progress were excluded from the funding.

Email sent to students:

Dear {first name},

I hope this email finds you and your family well during this most challenging of times for many in our community. This email contains important information about financial assistance for you provided through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund of the CARES Act.

The U.S. Department of Education has provided funds to the University of New Mexico as well as other colleges and universities to assist current students with expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. We are distributing 100% allocated to UNM for student aid directly to students based on students' financial need assessment using the 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file.

You qualify for these funds in the amount of $xxx. These funds will be direct deposited into the bank account you have already set up with UNM, or mailed as a physical check to your mailing address (if you did not previously set up direct deposit with us). By receiving these funds, you acknowledge you will use them as intended to offset some of the additional expenses described above that you have incurred during this time.

While we know that this semester took an unexpected turn, together we will get through it. Despite the challenges, now is the time to persevere and finish the semester as strong as possible. We are here to support and work with you to get the most of the time, effort and money you invested in this semester and to help you toward our shared goal of your graduation.

We realize you may have many needs during this uncertain time and hope these funds will be of assistance. Many resources, from tutoring to free food to rent support, are available at UNM and in the community and are described here: https://advisement.unm.edu/resources/covid-19-student-resources.html. We hope that you will reach out to faculty and staff for support in reaching your academic goals. We believe you have what it takes to complete your UNM education and want to support you to the finish line.

Stay safe and Go Lobos!

Dr. James P. Holloway
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
The University of New Mexico