PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Student Crisis Fund at the University of Delaware is to provide a nominal amount of money to eligible students who face a serious financial hardship due to unanticipated expenses. Each situation will be considered on an individual, case-by-case basis. The Student Crisis Fund is underwritten by the Division of Student Life and Student Crisis Fund gifts.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Applicant must be a currently enrolled as a student at the University of Delaware.
- Applicant must be able to show temporary financial hardship resulting from an emergency situation.
- Applicant must have considered other possible sources of funding.
- Applicant must understand that the Office of the Dean of Students reserves the right to check level of financial need with the Office of Student Financial Services.
- Applicant may not receive more than one grant per year.
EXAMPLES OF COVERED EXPENSES DUE TO AN UNFORESEEN CRISIS SITUATION:
- Travel costs related to a sudden death or illness in the immediate family.
- Out-of-pocket costs related to medical care.
- Replacement of personal belongings due to fire, natural disaster, or theft.
- Food or home insecurity.
EXAMPLES OF EXPENSES NOT COVERED:
- Funds needed as a result of poor financial management or funds needed for a situation that does not constitute an emergency.
- Tuition, study abroad costs, application/test fees, dues for campus organizations.
- Non-essential utilities, (e.g., cable), lab fees, health insurance.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
• Complete the application. Please be sure to fill out all information and attach any relevant documentation if available. [Documentation is not required, but is helpful in some cases. For example, if you are requesting assistance in paying a bill, then please attach the bill.]
• A staff member from the Office of the Dean of Students will call you to discuss your application and discuss next steps.
• If approved, you will work with that same staff member on next steps and connection to other resources at UD.
• If not approved, that staff member will connect with you about the reason and share other resources at UD and in the local community.
• Several weeks after the process has completed, a staff member will reach out. You may be asked to write a brief reflection paragraph on how this grant has assisted you and can be kept anonymous if you choose. Your reflection may be shared with donors to the Student Crisis Fund.
• If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact deanofstudents@udel.edu or call 302-831-8939.
