Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund is available to ALL enrolled students. To apply for these funds, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Be enrolled in a minimum of one degree seeking/paid course at CSN during the semester in which you apply for funds
• Have not received $500 in student emergency funds within 12 months from the date of the previous award

The Student Emergency Fund covers short-term, unanticipated emergencies. Emergencies are defined as urgent, unforeseen, and non-recurring.

Examples of emergency situations may include, but are not limited to:

• - Loss of job
• - Change in self/family income (e.g., reduction in work hours)
• - Transportation disruption
• - Technology Disruption (hardware, Software, Internet)
• - Housing needs (Loss of housing, Utilities, Repairs)
• - Unexpected medical expenses
• - Costs due to death or severe illness of immediate family members (e.g., dependent, spouse)
• - Emergency travel expenses (e.g., due to health / death of family members)
• - Replacement of essential items due to fire, natural disaster, or theft (e.g., eyeglasses, clothing, etc.)

This fund does not cover the following:

• Normal or anticipated academic expenses, such as tuition and fees
• Normal or anticipated expenses (e.g., automobile payments or insurance premiums, routine car maintenance, household or furniture costs, or credit card payments)
• Non-essential utilities (e.g., cable)
• Costs for extra-curricular activity, entertainment, or non-emergency travel
• Credit collections or expenditures resulting from poor financial management
• Medical expenses for friends
• Alcohol or drug-related offenses, tickets, legal fees, or jail bonds
• Computer replacement due to negligence
• Replacement of non-essential personal items due to fire, flood, theft, or natural disaster

For long-term needs, it is recommended to apply for financial aid. Financial aid options can include grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study. You may also consider applying for public assistance such as SNAP or TANF.

Students may be awarded up to a maximum of $500 within a 12-month period.

Note: For approved applications, the amount of the award will be determined by the documentation provided and will not automatically grant the maximum amount.

The online application will be available the second week of each semester and will close one week before the end of the semester during the fall, spring, and summer terms while funding is available.

Note: You must be enrolled in a minimum of one course in the semester in which you apply for funds.

Upon submission of the application, a confirmation will be sent to your CSN student email with more information.

Applications will be reviewed within three business days and decisions will be communicated to the CSN student email. Applications will not be reviewed during the weekend or on holidays which may extend the time for a decision if submitted on Friday after business hours, during the weekend, or on a holiday.

It is important to check your CSN student email frequently after you apply to monitor communication regarding your application.

Learn how to access your CSN student email.

No. Unlike a loan, the money awarded through this fund does not need to be repaid.

Documentation needs to be personalized (e.g., includes student's name) and support the information provided in the personal statement. If the documents are not in the student's name, a statement explaining the relationship and proof will be required, such as birth certificate, driver’s license, marriage license, etc.

For approved applications, the amount of the award will be determined by the documentation provided from Category I and will not automatically grant the maximum amount requested.

DIRECTIONS: Upload a minimum of one document FROM EACH CATEGORY BELOW. You may upload a maximum of five attachments to your application.

CATEGORY 1

Upload a minimum of one document displaying expense(s): what you need the money for specifically.

Examples of acceptable documentation including, but not limited to:

• -Invoices with costs/expenses
• -Cost estimates  (e.g. for repairs or replacement)
• -Past due rent or utility bill statements (e.g., power bill)
• -Receipts
• -Debit/credit card statements (highlight specific charges related to the expenses included in your personal statement)

CATEGORY 2

Upload a minimum of one document that supports your financial hardship.

Examples of acceptable documentation including, but not limited to:

• -Employment Termination Notice
• -Unemployment Letter
• -Paystubs showing change in income (i.e., reduction of work hours)

The Summer 2024 Student Emergency Fund application is now Open.

Application Link:

https://studentportal-csnedu.msappproxy.net/StudentPortal/StudentEmergencyFundForm

Distributions from the student emergency fund will NOT be available during campus closures and holiday breaks.

Please be sure to view the Helpful Resources links on this webpage that may address some of your needs as well.

Please read all application guidelines before completing the application.

NOTE: All communication regarding your application status will be sent to the CSN student email.

The application link will be only visible/active during the fall, spring, and summer open application periods and when funding is available.

A student may be awarded up to a maximum of $500 within a 12-month period.