The American Rescue Plan Signed Into Law

On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, the most sweeping pandemic relief package for the nation to date. The bill includes additional support for institutions of higher education through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The University of Arizona is slated to receive $85 million through HEERF in the coming months based on a headcount and Full-Time Eligible student formula, funds that are much needed to support the university in our pandemic relief efforts. Approximately half of these funds are designated for student emergency grants, and the Federal Relations team has been working with higher education associations and the Department of Education to broaden the federal guidance for HEERF to give our students more flexibility in accessing and applying the grants.