COVID-19

McPherson College is offering all students cash incentives for receiving the vaccination and all vaccinated students are eligible for a $2,500 cash prize. Email ask@mcpherson.edu with questions.

People who are fully vaccinated do not need to undergo routine COVID-19 screening testing.  If a fully vaccinated person is exposed to someone with COVID-19 they do not need to be tested unless they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Any person who experiences COVID-19 symptoms should get a COVID-19 test.

Rapid PCR testing is available at the college’s on-campus clinic, located at 1800 E. Gordon.  Masks are still required anytime you seek treatment at the clinic. 

• Masks
• Social distancing
• Modified mealtimes
• Reduced gatherings
• Limited contact sports
• Remote learning

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) (Pub. L. 117-2). The ARP appropriated approximately $39.6 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and represents the third stream of funding appropriated for HEERF to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. Taken together, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116-136), the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) (Pub. L. 116-260), and the ARP represent HEERF I, HEERF II, AND HEERF III, respectively Institutions accepting HEERF funding must commit to providing a portion of the funds in the form of financial aid grants to students. McPherson College’s minimum required allocation of ARP funds to students is $1,082,552.

In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete an application for aid.

The grant funds will be distributed to students with exceptional need who have struggled to meet expenses due to COVID-19. Eligible expenses include:

• tuition
• food
• housing
• course materials
• technology
• health care
• childcare

Students who are or were enrolled at McPherson College on or after March 13, 2020, the date of declaration of the national emergency due to the coronavirus are eligible for the grant. Grants are for students with exceptional need such as students who receive Pell grants or those who have faced significant unexpected expenses, such as loss of employment (either for themselves or their families), reduced income, or food or housing insecurity. Students may apply for the grant to communicate about their situation. The college uses these forms to help in determining exceptional need. Students who are Pell eligible will receive priority and a higher level of funds than those that are non-Pell eligible. A student is not required to be Pell eligible in order to receive the grant.

In accordance with guidance from the DOE on the distribution of these funds, students have the option of applying the funds onto their student account. They must make that selection when completing the application for aid. If that option has not been selected, the funds are distributed to the student in the form of a check.

Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, faculty and staff, and campus groups, assisted in educating students of this opportunity.

Students may apply for the grant using the link: https://mcstudentlife.formstack.com/forms/cares_grant

Quarterly Report for Quarter Ended September 30, 2021
Updated October 5, 2021

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III (a)(1) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3), if applicable

McPherson College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The institution has used use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students. This portion of the grant has been fully distributed to students. The College also received funds through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) that was authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on December 27, 2020. As of the date of this report, this portion of the grant has been fully distributed to students. The College also received funds through Section 2003 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP).

McPherson College has been notified of a total allocation of $1,229,981 under the CRRSAA. Of this amount, $397,688 is reserved exclusively for distribution to students for grants. The College received $2,165,102 through the ARP grant. Of this amount, $1,082,552 will be used exclusively to provide pandemic-related support to students. The College may use the remainder of both of these grants for institutional support. The College portion of the funds will be used to cover the costs of off-campus housing for student isolation, subsidizing food service to reduce density in eating facilities, expenses to promote social distancing in classrooms, campus safety and operations, obtaining additional equipment to reduce the number of students sharing supplies, replacing certain lost revenues, etc.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, McPherson College has distributed $468,076 to 260 students. The college estimates that 842 students are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants. In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete an application for aid. The grant funds are distributed to students who have experienced difficulty covering expenses due to COVID-19. Eligible expenses include tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. Students apply for the grant and self-report what they are struggling with and communicate about their situation. The College uses these forms to help in determining exceptional need. Students who are Pell-eligible will receive priority and a higher level of funds than those that are non-Pell eligible. A student does not have to be Pell eligible in order to receive the grant. In accordance with guidance from the Department of Education on the distribution of these funds, students have the option of applying the funds onto their student account. They must make that selection when completing the application for aid. If that option is not selected, the funds are distributed to the student in the form of a check. Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, faculty and staff and campus groups have assisted in educating students of this opportunity.

Quarterly Report for Quarter Ended June 30, 2021
Updated July 6, 2021

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III (a)(1) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3), if applicable

McPherson College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The institution has used use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students. This portion of the grant has been fully distributed to students. The College also received funds through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) that was authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on December 27, 2020. As of the date of this report, this portion of the grant has been fully distributed to students. The College also received funds through Section 2003 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP).

McPherson College has been notified of a total allocation of $1,229,981 under the CRRSAA. Of this amount, $397,688 is reserved exclusively for distribution to students for grants. The College received $2,165,102 through the ARP grant. Of this amount, $1,082,552 will be used exclusively to provide pandemic related support to students. The College may use the remainder of both of these grants for institutional support. The College portion of the funds will be used to cover the costs of off-campus housing for student isolation, subsidizing food service to reduce density in eating facilities, expenses to promote social distancing in classrooms, campus safety and operations, obtaining additional equipment to reduce the number of students sharing supplies, replacing certain lost revenues, etc.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2021, McPherson College has distributed $101,669 to 107 students. The college estimates that 764 students are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants.In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete an application for aid. The grant funds are distributed to students who have experienced difficulty covering expenses due to COVID-19. Eligible expenses include tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. Students apply for the grant and self-report what they are struggling with and communicate about their situation. The College uses these forms to help in determining exceptional need. Students who are Pell-eligible will receive priority and a higher level of funds than those that are non-Pell eligible. As student does not have to be Pell eligible in order to receive the grant. In accordance with guidance from the Department of Education on the distribution of these funds, students have the option of applying the funds onto their student account. They must make that selection when completing the application for aid. If that option is not selected, the funds are distributed to the student in the form of a check. Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, and campus groups, assisted in educating students of this opportunity.

Quarterly Report for Quarter Ended March 31, 2021
Updated April 8, 2021; Amended October 29, 2021

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, 18004(a)(2), and 18004(a)(3), if applicable

McPherson College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The institution intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students. The College also received funds through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) that was authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on December 27, 2020.

McPherson College has been notified of a total allocation of $1,229,981 under the CRRSAA. Of this amount, $397,688 is reserved exclusively for distribution to students for grants. The College may use the remainder for institutional support. The use of these funds has not yet been determined.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2021, McPherson College has distributed $349,134 to 297 students. The college estimates that 781 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which could qualify them to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) if student eligibility requirements are met as established by the Department of Education.

In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete an application for aid. The grant funds are distributed to students who have experienced difficulty covering expenses due to COVID-19. Eligible expenses include tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child cared. Students apply for the grant and self-report what they are struggling with and communicate about their situation. The College uses these forms to help in determining exceptional need. Students who are Pell-eligible will receive priority and a higher level of funds than those that are non-Pell eligible. As student does not have to be Pell eligible in order to receive the grant. In accordance with guidance from the Department of Education on the distribution of these funds, students have the option of applying the funds onto their student account. They must make that selection when completing the application for aid. If that option is not selected, the funds are distributed to the student in the form of a check. Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, and campus groups, assisted in educating students of this opportunity.

Quarterly Report for Quarter Ended December 31, 2020
Updated January 6, 2021

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, 18004(a)(2), and 18004(a)(3), if applicable

McPherson College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The institution intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students.

The institution has received from the Department of Education, pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students, $795,375.

As of the quarter ended December 31, 2020, McPherson College has distributed $136,601 to 129 students. The college estimates that 781 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which could qualify them to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) if student eligibility requirements are met as established by the Department of Education.

In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for verification of eligibility to participate or complete a certification form verifying that they meet the requirements. As required under the CARES Act, the College will identify students with the most need based on food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, childcare and other possible expenses due to the disruption of campus operations. The College does this through an automatic grant to students known to have additional housing and food costs and a self-reporting application for everyone else. To identify funding limits, an analysis of the cost of attendance used for packaging aid was used to identify the average expected costs of the applicable expenses for the duration of the campus shutdown. Grants for room and board were standard amounts based on the funding limit. Students must self-report the amount of expenses they incurred for the remaining categories of expenses subject to the determined limits. Pell-eligible students received larger grants than non-Pell eligible students. Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, and campus groups, assisted in educating students of this opportunity.

Quarterly Report for Quarter Ended September 30, 2020
Updated October 1, 2020

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, 18004(a)(2), and 18004(a)(3), if applicable

McPherson College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The institution intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students.

The institution has received from the Department of Education, pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students, $795,375.

As of September 30, 2020, McPherson College has distributed $246,323 to 174 students. The college estimates that 605 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which could qualify them to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) if student eligibility requirements are met as established by the Department of Education.

In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for verification of eligibility to participate or complete a certification form verifying that they meet the requirements. As required under the CARES Act, the College will identify students with the most need based on food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, childcare and other possible expenses due to the disruption of campus operations. The College does this through an automatic grant to students known to have additional housing and food costs and a self-reporting application for everyone else. To identify funding limits, an analysis of the cost of attendance used for packaging aid was used to identify the average expected costs of the applicable expenses for the duration of the campus shutdown. Grants for room and board were standard amounts based on the funding limit. Students must self-report the amount of expenses they incurred for the remaining categories of expenses subject to the determined limits. Pell-eligible students received larger grants than non-Pell eligible students. Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, and campus groups, assisted in educating students of this opportunity.

45-Day Report
Updated July 10, 2020

McPherson College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The institution intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students.

The institution has received from the Department of Education, pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students, $795,375.

As of July 11, 2020, McPherson College has distributed $174,859 to 126 students. The college estimates that 605 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which could qualify them to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) if student eligibility requirements are met as established by the Department of Education. In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for verification of eligibility to participate or complete a certification form verifying that they meet the requirements. As required under the CARES Act, the College will identify students with the most need based on food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, childcare and other possible expenses due to the disruption of campus operations. The College does this through an automatic grant to students known to have additional housing and food costs and a self-reporting application for everyone else. To identify funding limits, an analysis of the cost of attendance used for packaging aid was used to identify the average expected costs of the applicable expenses for the duration of the campus shutdown. Grants for room and board were standard amounts based on the funding limit. Students must self-report the amount of expenses they incurred for the remaining categories of expenses subject to the determined limits. Pell-eligible students received larger grants than non-Pell eligible students. Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, and campus groups, assisted in educating students of this opportunity.

30-Day Report
Updated May 27, 2020

McPherson College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The institution intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students.

The institution has received from the Department of Education, pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students, $795,375.

As of May 27, 2020, 30 days since the funds became available, McPherson College has distributed $91,681 to 59 students. The college estimates that 605 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which could qualify them to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) if student eligibility requirements are met as established by the Department of Education.

In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for verification of eligibility to participate. If a FAFSA was completed in a previous year, a certification form is completed verifying that nothing has changed since the FAFSA was completed. As required under the CARES Act, the College will identify students with the most need based on food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, childcare and other possible expenses due to the disruption of campus operations. The College does this through an automatic grant to students known to have additional housing and food costs and a self-reporting application for everyone else. To identify funding limits, an analysis of the cost of attendance used for packaging aid was used to identify the average expected costs of the applicable expenses for the duration of the campus shutdown. Grants for room and board were standard amounts based on the funding limit. Students must self-report the amount of expenses they incurred for the remaining categories of expenses subject to the determined limits. Pell-eligible students received larger grants than non-Pell eligible students. Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, and campus groups, assisted in educating students of this opportunity.