Presidential COVID-19 Update: February 17, 2021

Marching Forward Graphic

Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Thankfully, COVID-19 cases in the state and country continue to decline. Additionally, vaccinations continue to pick up speed. However, now is the time to keep up good practices and behaviors to ensure that we stay safe and healthy. In recent days, we have experienced the unfortunate effects of COVID-19 on our campus, so we are clearly not out of the woods yet and need to stay diligent. We are not experiencing the decline in COVID-19 quarantines and isolations that the rest of our county seems to be.

Emergency Relief Grants for Students
Carroll College is pleased that Congress is once again providing additional support for higher education to combat the challenges brought on by COVID-19. With the passing of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) passed on December 27, 2020, Congress authorized $81.88 billion in support for education across the nation. By law, the same amount of funds distributed to students under the first CARES act must be distributed directly to students in the form of grants to assist in dealing with the financial burdens related to disruptions caused by COVID-19. This means that $470,811 will be available to Carroll College students.

Students must apply to receive these grants. As of last Friday, February 12, 2021, students can apply for funding using the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERFII) Grant Request Form. This form can be accessed at https://my2.carroll.edu/students/heerf-ii. Applications need to be filled out completely. These funds are intended to help defray emergency costs or unforeseen circumstances that arise due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible costs can be found by clicking on the link to the application form. Funds will be awarded with priority consideration given to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Please note, you DO NOT have to have filed a FAFSA to be eligible for funding. However, you must be a U.S. citizen.

On February 19, 2021, members of the Student Emergency Relief Fund Oversight Committee will begin reviewing applications to determine grant distributions from the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Requests will continue to be reviewed by the Oversight Committee on a rolling basis until the funding has been exhausted. As such, we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Asymptomatic Student, Faculty and Staff testing
Ongoing COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic students, faculty and staff continues next week:

  • Mondays & Tuesdays
  • 9 am - 11:30 am
  • Wellness Center
  • No appointment necessary

Only individuals who are asymptomatic should come to the Wellness Center. If you have symptoms, contact the Wellness Center or your healthcare provider and follow the guidelines on the Marching Forward website under the heading “If you feel ill.”

If you are feeling ill, please stay home and quarantine yourself until you are able to get tested and receive results. We can help you with this process by calling the Wellness Center at 406-447-5441 as soon as you develop symptoms. 

Mask Reminder
Lewis and Clark County's mask order remains in place. In addition, Carroll College’s mask mandate also remains in force. Masks continue to be required on our campus in all indoor public spaces as well as in outdoor settings where six feet of distance cannot be accommodated. Mask usage continues to be one of the best ways to limit the spread of the virus.

All of us doing our part and wearing our masks properly will give us the best chance to finish out the semester in person and on campus.  The CDC recently released updated information on Masks that is very helpful.  

Thank you,

Marching Forward Team