Program Description
Grounded in our Franciscan and Catholic traditions, the Office of the Dean of Students serves as a resource, advocate and partner to assist students in the management of concerns and aid in the achievement of personal and academic success. In order to promote an inclusive community where the dignity and rights of all are affirmed, we recognize that there are times when students need assistance due to unforeseen financial emergencies. The Student Life Relief Fund provides a one-time grant for matriculating students in good standing who are experiencing financial need due to a crisis situation. The fund assists students who cannot reasonably resolve their financial difficulty through financial aid or loans.
The Student Life Relief Fund supports students with demonstrated need impacted by an unexpected emergency causing financial hardship. These financial hardships could include situations such as job loss of a family member, accident, theft, fire, flood, death, and medical difficulties. Documentation will be required to verify that grant funds are only used on eligible expenses.
Expenses Covered by the Relief Fund
The following items are examples of expenses that may be covered under the Student Life Relief Fund:
- Utilities
- Housing/Rent
- Food/Meals
- Childcare
- Transportation Costs (gas, personal auto expenses)
- Travel Costs (related to a death or illness of an immediate family)
- Essential Personal Belongings (replacement due to theft, fire, flood or other disaster)
Expenses Not Covered by the Relief Fund
The following are examples of expenses that are not eligible to be covered by the Student Life Relief Fund:
- Full or Partial Tuition or Fee Costs
- Previous Debts to the College
- Health Insurance
- Study Abroad Costs
- Parking Tickets
- Tobacco or Alcohol
- Entertainment or Recreational Expenses
- Non-essential Utilities (i.e. cable)
Eligibility Requirements for the Student Life Relief Fund
- Applicant must be current matriculated student enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits for the semester
- Applicant must have a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Applicant must have a financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident or other unexpected incident
- Applicant must complete Student Life Relief Fund application and provide supporting documentation
- All other resources, including financial aid, must have been considered and are insufficient, unavailable or not available in a timely manner
Application Process
Students who wish to apply for the Student Life Relief Fund may submit an application and supporting documentation to the Office of the Dean of Students. The Student Life Relief Fund Review Committee, comprised of an administrator from the Division of Student Life and a Friar designee, will review submitted applications and determine funding amounts, if approved. An in-person meeting with the Dean of Students, or designee, is required as part of the application process. The Review Committee may consult with the Office of Financial Aid regarding your scholarship and financial aid allocations. Fund allocations generally do not exceed $500. Please note that if you currently receive financial aid, receiving a grant from the Student Life Relief Fund may affect future aid packages. For additional information on the application process, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (518) 783-2328 or email studentlife@siena.edu.