Student Emergency Fund

Policy: 

The Clarkson College Student Emergency Fund was created to assist and support Clarkson College students who encounter unforeseen financial emergencies or catastrophic events that would otherwise prevent them from continuing their education at Clarkson College. The fund is supported through donations from the Clarkson College community. Students may receive up to $1,000. Emergency funds are meant to be a short-term boost, not a long-term financial plan.

Situations that warrant funding

Examples of emergencies to be considered include, but are not limited to: 

  • emergency medical, vision, and dental expenses 
  • travel expenses due to serious illness or death in the immediate family 
  • loss of transportation, childcare, employment, or similar circumstances 
  • safety needs, including the needs of survivors of domestic violence 
  • support for temporary housing and/or other essential needs due to displacement by fire or another unforeseen environmental hazard 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants applying for assistance must have a documented immediate hardship (not anticipated) event or emergency that has caused financial hardship.  
  • Show evidence that other possible resources (such as insurance, financial aid, or funding from other service organizations) have been considered and are unavailable or insufficient (must show evidence or address in questions, if applicable) 
  • To be eligible, you must be active and enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours (graduate) or 6 credit hours (undergraduate) 

Procedure: 

Students must complete the online application with sufficient evidence and documentation for review. Once received, the Director of Student Affairs will convene the committee within 5 business days of submission. The committee will review the application, and the Director of Student Affairs will document the discussions, actions, and decisions through meeting minutes.  

The Director of Student Affairs will also notify the applicant by email within 5 business days of the committee’s decision regarding the student emergency fund application. The applicant must respond within 5 business days. If a response is not received within 5 business days, the application will be denied, pending an unforeseen circumstance. 

The Director of Student Life & Academic Success will work with the College Accountant on payments resulting from a student emergency fund request.  Payment will be distributed as soon as possible, but it will depend on external factors, including whether the vendor is available in the Clarkson College accounts payable system. Payments will only be made directly to the vendor. 

Committee Membership 

The committee is comprised of five members, consisting of:  

  • Director of Student Affairs 
  • Student Success Administrator 
  • Financial Aid Representative  
  • Student Accounts representative 
  • Applicant’s Program Director, Assistant Director, or Academic Advisor   

Academic Policies and Procedures