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University of Findlay Vice President for Student Affairs Dave Emsweller announced today the procedure for University of Findlay students who wish to seek help from the student emergency fund the University set up in late March.
Emsweller stated: “The Student Emergency Fund provides financial support in the form of a one-time grant of up to $500 to a limited number of University of Findlay students who experience unexpected financial hardship resulting from unexpected emergency situations including, but not limited to: accidents, illness, extenuating family circumstances, an act of nature, or other extreme difficulties.”
The applicant must be an enrolled student and may be an undergraduate or graduate student.
“Priority will be given to students whose tenure at the university may be at risk because of said expenses,” according to Emsweller’s office.
Emsweller cautioned that the fund is limited so it cannot support every application.
But those who would like to pursue some financial help can visit the Student Affairs Student Emergency Fund page to learn more about how to apply for the fund and complete the application.
A committee will review the applications. Anyone who cannot complete the application electronically or has more questions can call UF’s Oiler Success Center at 419-434-5680. It is open between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or the student may email oilersuccesscenter@findlay.edu.
“We understand that the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation has had a financial impact on some of our students,” Emsweller said via email. “We recognize the uncertainty that University of Findlay students and families are facing and want to help our students have access to emergency funds.”
College students have faced specific financial difficulty because many of them work part-time jobs to help with expenses during school. Many of those jobs have fallen victim to the stay-at-home order issued by the Ohio Department of Health in March.
Most college students also don’t qualify for any of the relief fund passed by congress in March as part the CARES Act. The $2 trillion fund issued tax rebates of up to $1,200 per individual and an additional $500 per child dependents under the age of 17. This leaves out millions of college students who are claimed by their parents. It also leaves out the parents who would otherwise pass the $500 on to their college student.
Emsweller also sent out a plea on April 16 to faculty and staff asking for donations to the emergency fund.
“Thanks to the generosity of donors, the University has created a Student Emergency Fund that will provide up to a $500 grant for a limited number of students who are facing unexpected financial hardship,” Emsweller said via an email announcement. But UF continues to take donations to serve as many students as possible.
The announcement clarified that the grant would not replace or supplement existing financial aid and does not have to be repaid.
“Students may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources,” Emsweller said.
He noted that the fund is a new effort and supported entirely by charitable donations. Those who wish to donate may visit the Office of Advancement Student Emergency Fund page.
For more information about the university’s COVID-19 response please visit the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information web page or email coronavirus@findlay.edu.
Read more about the financial difficulties faced by UF college students here.
