Student Emergency Fund

Student emergency funds are designed to assist students facing an emergency event.

Emergency Events

Emergency events can include, but are not limited to:

Unexpected housing emergencies

  • Eviction notice
  • Emergency hotel stay after losing housing
  • Apartment damage from a fire, flood, or other disaster

Medical emergencies

  • Unexpected medical, dental, or mental health expenses not covered by insurance
  • Emergency prescription costs
  • Travel costs related to a serious medical emergency

Family emergencies

  • Death of an immediate family member requiring emergency travel
  • A parent or guardian suddenly losing employment or becoming seriously ill, creating an immediate financial crisis

Loss of income

  • Unexpected job loss that leaves you unable to pay for essential living expenses
  • Reduction in work hours that creates an immediate hardship

Food insecurity

  • Running out of money for groceries or other necessities before receiving financial aid or your next paycheck

Transportation emergencies

  • Essential car repairs needed to get to class or work
  • Emergency transportation home due to a family crisis

Technology emergencies

  • Replacing a laptop required for coursework after it is stolen or unexpectedly breaks (if no other resources are available)

Victim of crime or disaster

  • Expenses resulting from theft, domestic violence, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events

This is a one-time grant to alleviate the emergent situation. The awards are not loans and are not expected to be paid back.

Eligibility Requirements

Expenses covered do not include tuition/fees or recurring bills. To be eligible for consideration, a student must:

  • Have a financial hardship resulting from an emergency or unanticipated expense
  • Be an undergraduate or graduate student at Sacred Heart University who is enrolled in at least six credits in the term the emergency funds are being requested for
  • Be able to demonstrate financial hardship due to emergent circumstances
    • Provide proof of the current emergency
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing
  • Have filled out FAFSA

Once the form below is submitted, it will be reviewed by the committee to determine eligibility. A follow up meeting with the dean of students staff might be required after submission depending on the request.

How to Apply

Once you’ve reviewed the information above, you will be ready to complete and submit the Student Emergency Fund Application. You must read all guidelines listed above prior to applying. You will be notified via email of the decision on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.