Some time in the past school year, you may have received a Georgia Southern University issued check or two for an undisclosed amount.

These checks were given out as a result of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) passed by Congress in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since these checks are disbursed after the start of the semester, most of these funds are set aside for future school related funds or personal expenses.

A survey conducted on the Armstrong campus this week showed that less than half of the Armstrong student body received both HEERF checks while 33% of students received only one.

Of the 66% of students that received one or both HEERF checks, 75% of those students replied that a majority of their checks went to a personal savings account while the other 25% reported that a majority of their checks went to school expenses such as tuition or books and supplies.

From that same 66%, 75% of those students all replied that the amount given in one or both of the relief checks this year could’ve been bigger to help them distribute costs more evenly between a personal savings account, school expenses, and housing costs for next year.

Though this survey cannot guarantee a larger or more consistent refund check, this does reflect on the usefulness of the amount given to those students.

Survey Main Findings:

Less than half of the Armstrong student body (33%) received both HEERF checks

33% of students received neither HEERF check

33% of students received one HEERF check

Of those who received both checks, 50% felt that the HEERF checks could’ve consisted of a larger amount while the opposing 50% felt that the amount given was the right amount.

Of those who received one check, 50% of students responded that a majority of their money went to school expenses such as tuition or books and supplies.