Check here for the latest information regarding CBS operations during the pandemic.
COVID - 19 Update
Continue All Classes Remotely for the Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 Semesters
CBS leadership continues to monitor the CDC guidelines on eliminating the spread of COVID-19. Using data and trend lines from CDC, the World Health Organization, and other colleges and universities, we believe it is in the best interest of our students and staff to continue all classes remotely for the Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 semesters. We will continue to monitor conditions in order to determine if we can return to on-campus instruction on July 1, 2021, for the beginning of the CBS Fall 2021 semester. Read the message from CBS President Dr. Bill Blocker.
Helpful information:
Technical support for Blackboard, CBS email, and MyCBS: LearnHelpDesk@cbshouston.edu
Librarian support for research needs: LearnHelpDesk@cbshouston.edu
Tutors to assist with writing papers and other academic matters: Nettutor.com
Prayer and pastoral advice at: Ask-A-Pastor
All others: COVID19update@cbshouston.edu
On-Campus Classes and Operations Move to an Off-Campus Format March 23, 2020
As of 6 pm (Central Time), Tuesday, March 17, all CBS locations will end on-campus operations and begin remote operations until further notice.
What You Need to Know - English | Spanish
What To Do If You Are Sick - English | Spanish
Stop the Spread of Germs - English | Spanish
CBS and COVID-19: Keeping you informed
CBS leadership and the crisis management team are keeping informed and staying updated with current information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Office of Emergency Management-Houston, the Indiana State Department of Health, and our government officials.
The health and safety of our students and staff is our first priority. While health officials around the world are still learning about this novel virus, communities, schools, and organizations are being asked to take the same precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 as we would other viral illnesses (such as the flu).
CBS will continue to monitor the situation via the CDC and local government officials and will follow their protocol regarding next steps.
At this time, we are operating in a “business as usual” manner. If protocol changes, we will alert you via the CBS Watchman Emergency Alert system and our website.
We strongly encourage families to read the CDC recommendations as outlined here: CDC Recommendations.
Prevention is Key:
The Center for Disease Control always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory diseases, including:
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Staying home when you are sick.
Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Following CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty..
Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) Reporting Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students
CARES ACTSection 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or the “Act”)), Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (March 27, 2020), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the Secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”).
Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act requires institutions to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received from Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care).
On April 9, 2020, the Department published documents related to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants, including a letter from Secretary Betsy DeVos, a form Certification and Agreement for signing and returning by institutions to access the funds, and a list of institutional allocations under 18004(a)(1).
Acknowledgement:
College of Biblical Studies signed and returned the Funding Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students on May 5, 2020. The institution has used, or intends to use, the funds to provide the mandated amount of at least 50 percent of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants to students.
Quarter 1 Budget & Expenditure Reporting through Sept. 30, 2020
Quarter 2 Budget & Expenditure Reporting through Dec. 31, 2020
Quarter 3 Budget & Expenditure Reporting through March 31, 2021
Quarter 4 Budget & Expenditure Reporting through June 30, 2021
Quarter 5 Budget & Expenditure Reporting through Sept. 30, 2021
Totals
The following list is in reference to the amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grant funding received, scheduled, and distributed to College of Biblical Studies and its students:
Total Amount of Funding
$500,000: Total amount of HEERF funds received.
$203,755: The total amount of funds CBS has received under the HEERF student portion.
$296,245: The total amount of funds CBS has received under the HEERF institutional portion.
Total Amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants Distributed to Students
$103,795: The total amount that has been distributed directly to CBS students as of 12/30/2020.
Total Number of Students at CBS Eligible to Receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants
392: The estimated total number of students at CBS eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), and therefore eligible to receive an emergency grant as of June 1, 2020.
Total Number of Students who have Received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant
69: The total number of students who have received an emergency grant as of 07/27/2020.
Method(s) used by CBS to Determine who Receives Emergency Financial Aid Grants
The College of Biblical Studies is following the U.S. Department of Education’s guidance on administering the CARES HEERF grants as required by the law. Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act requires institutions to use the funds received from Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care).
Only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants as outlined in the U.S. Department of Education guidance on April 21, 2020.
To be eligible under Section 484 in Title IV of the HEA you must be enrolled and currently attending. We take our role in administering the CARES HEERF program seriously. We have administered the program based on the regulatory language and guidance provided.
Each student completed an application and submit supporting documentation. Each application was reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives from the offices of Provost, Registrar, Admission, and Finance. A collective determination was made if the students request met the qualifications. Approved applications were posted to all committee members to review, then payment requests were processed through usual payment approval processes before disbursement. The average grant was $1,500. The actual grant depended on the students request type, supporting documentation, and availability of funds.
Additional Information Regarding Emergency Financial Aid Grants
The College of Biblical Studies provides information to students on the HEERF Grant program. The information is found on the COVID-19 Updates page on the website.
This webpage provides detailed information on the eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Ongoing Operations of the College of Biblical Studies
In spite of the disruptions and difficulties resulting from COVID-19 and related incidents, the College of Biblical Studies is maintaining full financial operations including employment, vendor, and student financial activities.
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