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Emergency Need Request

The Student Persistence Program is a resource to be utilized for students who are in danger of having to withdraw because of financial roadblocks impeding college success.

Students who identify that they have an imminent financial need, where withdrawing is threatening the successful completion of academic goals, are eligible to submit a request. College faculty, staff, or administrators may also refer students to the Dean of Students Office with student permission.

Funding amounts can range based on the type of request. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will be capped based on specific categories. Requests should be for demonstrated needs that are typically unanticipated and non-recurring.

Payments will be made directly to the vendor or the third party (i.e., landlord, mechanic, utility company, book vendor). Food and fuel cards and bus vouchers will be given directly to the student.

Examples of qualifying expenses include (but are not limited to):

  • Tuition and student fees
  • Housing expenses, (i.e., rent, mortgage payment)
  • Emergency temporary lodging (if student is homeless or in an unsafe situation)
  • Essential utilities (e.g., electric, gas, water)
  • Temporary food insecurity
  • Medical, vision, and dental treatment/medication/prescriptions when the student does not have the ability to pay, and the costs cannot be covered by insurance.
  • Financial needs arise from an unexpected emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incidents.
  • Textbooks and course materials
  • Childcare costs
  • Travel costs related to school and/or place of employment.
  • Other financial needs arising from individual and special circumstances to be determined on a case-by-case basis

Examples of non-qualifying expenses include (but are not limited to):

  • Costs of entertainment, recreation, or non-emergency travel
  • Parking tickets
  • Non-essential utilities
  • Expenses due to a lack of financial planning or overspending
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled students.
  • Applicants must have an immediate and unexpected financial hardship.
  • Applicants must complete an Emergency Need Request Form. Forms can be found on the College website and in the Office of the Dean of Students. The request must be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the emergency need situation, supporting documents, and other documentation as requested by college staff.
  • When possible, third-party payment requires bills to be in the student’s name.
  • Applicants may be required to meet with a member of the Student Persistence Workgroup.

 

 

Procedures for Assistance Requests under $150 (fuel cards, food cards, and bus tickets)

  • The student is instructed to submit an Emergency Need Form to request food cards, fuel cards, or transportation passes.
  • The request is reviewed by the Student Persistence Workgroup and, if approved, the student is instructed to pick up the card or tickets from the Office of the Dean of Students.

Procedures for Assistance Requests $150 and above

  • The student is instructed to submit an Emergency Need Request form, including a detailed explanation of financial difficulties and supporting documentation.
  • This request with the supporting documentation is then reviewed by the Student Persistence Workgroup.
  • The information is reviewed, for adherence to the documentation checklist. The student is notified if additional documentation is required.
  • If needed, a meeting may be set up with a member of the Workgroup to discuss the request or the need for supplemental information from the student.
  • Please note, the Student Persistence Workgroup will check with the appropriate College staff for student account information, to determine if student completed all financial aid requirements, submitted their certificate of residency, applied for a payment plan, or may be eligible for scholarships.
  • Additionally, the Student Persistence Workgroup will engage the CARES Team if necessary.

 

  • Students should expect to hear from a member of the Workgroup by College email within 3 business days from submission for fuel or food card requests or bus vouchers.
  • Students should expect to hear from a member of the Workgroup by College email within 6 business days from submission for requests over $150.
  • If a student receives approval for payment to a third party, payment should occur within 14 business days and will be issued directly to the company.In some cases, this timeline may take longer.
  • Only requests for food cards, fuel cards, bus vouchers, tuition support, or course supplies will be reviewed prior to census date.  All other requests will be reviewed after the census date each semester.

Timeline:

The Student Persistence Workgroup meets weekly to review requests as they are submitted and to review supplemental documentation and larger requests.

All communication to students will occur through their college email.