Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund assists UNI students by providing limited emergency financial assistance to currently enrolled students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses due to an unexpected emergency. Examples of unexpected emergency situations include accidents, illness, death of a family member, fire damage or the need for temporary housing. Priority will be given to students whose tenure at the university may be at risk because of said expenses.

Possible expenses covered by the Student Emergency Fund (this list is not exhaustive):

Temporary housing
Safety needs
Replacement of essential belongings, due to fire, theft or natural disaster
Travel costs related to the death or illness of an immediate family member

Expenses NOT covered (this list is not exhaustive):

Tuition, fees, health insurance and study abroad costs
Non-essential utilities (i.e. cable), household, or furniture costs not related to damage or theft
Regularly anticipated fixed expenses
Parking tickets
Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses
Expenditures resulting from poor financial management

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

have an immediate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident or other unexpected critical incident;
be currently enrolled at least part time;
have a 2.0 cumulative GPA and be in good academic standing; and,
have not previously received Student Emergency Funds.

Currently enrolled students may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources (credit card, payment plans, additional student aid, assistance from family/friends, other personal resources). The fund is designated to off-set a short-term financial need and is not intended to replace or supplement financial aid. Funds are awarded as a grant, and unlike a loan, do not need to be repaid. Funds may count as income and may be subject to federal and/or state taxes.

Funds are distributed through the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships and Business Operations. If you are currently receiving financial aid, please be aware that receiving funding from the Student Emergency Fund may affect your financial aid package. Any unpaid balance on the students university account will be deducted from any monies awarded through the Student Emergency Fund program.

Students in need of emergency financial assistance may submit an application and supporting documentation to the Dean of Students. Staff members representing the Dean of Students and Financial Aid and Scholarships will review submitted applications to determine if funding is appropriate, and if so, the appropriate amount. Funds distributed do not generally exceed $500.00. Applicants may be required to meet with the Dean of Students to discuss their application.

Complete the Student Emergency Fund Application

Giving

The number of students who can be served by the Student Emergency Fund is subject to the availability of funding. The fund must be sustained by continual contributions from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the University. The Student Emergency Fund is a university-wide initiative and coordinated as a joint venture between Student Life, Financial Aid & Scholarships, and University Advancement.

Make a Donation