The Student Emergency Fund was created by a generous gift from Candace and Vincent Gaudiani, and has been sustained by the generosity of staff, faculty, alum, partners, and friends across the University, to assist Case Western Reserve University students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency or event which would otherwise prevent them from continuing their education at Case Western Reserve University.
Requests must be urgent in nature. These funds are not to be used for routine or maintenance expenses or as a consistent supplement to a student’s education.
These funds will not cover any costs addressed by financial aid including tuition and other fees. An event or unforeseeable circumstance must be the cause of the loss of funds in order to be eligible for student emergency funds. These funds do not need to be repaid. Our goal is to help students during an emergent time of need to stay in school and make progress towards a degree. Priority will be given to students whose tenure at CWRU is at risk because of emergent expenses.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be degree-seeking students at CWRU.
- Applicants should be currently enrolled and be in good standing or show evidence of recent satisfactory progress at the university during the term when the emergency funds would be applied.
- Applicants must have a financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unplanned event.
- All other resources, including Student Financial Aid, must be used and are insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner.
- Generally a maximum of one award will be given per academic year to any one student. However, extenuating circumstances will be considered for students who may require additional assistance.
Expenses Not Covered
Include but are not limited to:
- Tuition, fees, books, laptops, health insurance, and study abroad costs
- Expenditures resulting from poor financial management
- Non-essential utilities (e.g. phone bills), household, or furniture costs not related to damage or theft or car repairs
- Parking tickets and other fines
- Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses
- Expenses that could be anticipated and other non-emergency related expenses
- Medical expenses and medications (please refer to the Student Health Emergency fund through University Health and Counseling Services)
Types of Expenses Covered
Include but are not limited to:
- Safety needs (e.g. changing a lock)
- Assistance with replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
- Travel costs related to a death or illness in the immediate family
- Assistance with rent, utilities, food and other essential household expenses due to unexpected circumstances
Award Procedures
- Students who are in need of emergency financial assistance must submit an application and supporting documentation to the Office of the Dean of Students to be considered.
- Funds awarded will generally not exceed $500 per request but unique and unusual circumstances may be considered by the Student Emergency Fund Committee. All requests and awards will remain confidential.
- Applicants may be required to meet with a staff member to discuss their application.
- When possible, the University will work with students to provide payment for such awards. However, students may also pay and be reimbursed for the expenses. In this case, students must provide receipts and/or documentation for payment or reimbursement.
* Please note that while you do not need to repay this financial award, it may be considered as taxable income and be subject to federal tax regulations.