Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund (SEF) at FIT is a grant award of financial assistance for currently enrolled degree-seeking FIT students experiencing a financial need that is impacting their ability to progress academically and is affecting their overall well-being and/or safety.
Emergency grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis and are not intended to relieve a student’s anticipated academic expenses including tuition, books/supplies, or student fees. The awards are not loans and are not expected to be paid back.
Students should apply to the SEF when their need is beyond their personal or financial ability to reconcile. Emergency fund amounts may vary based on individual needs, and they do not exceed $500.
Students may apply for the SEF once per academic year. The SEF committee may review additional requests due to extraordinary circumstances.
Possible expenses covered by The Student Emergency Fund may include but are not limited to:
- Emergency medical care, medications, and other costs related to not otherwise covered by insurance
- Homelessness due to loss of housing or threat of eviction
- Replacement of essential personal items needed due to unforeseen circumstances that impact the student’s well-being and/or safety
- Travel costs related to death or illness in the immediate family
- Travel costs related to student’s overall well-being or safety
Limitations — Expenses not funded by the SEF include but are not limited to:
- Anticipated academic expenses (tuition, fees, books/supplies, on-campus housing, health insurance)
- Educational loans or debt
- Credit card debts, loan payments including mortgages and car note payments
- Miscellaneous penalties (internal or external), e.g., laboratory breakage fees, library fines, parking tickets, legal representation, or jail bond
Student Emergency Fund awards are limited and subject to fund availability. Submission of an application does not guarantee funds will be awarded.
The SEF committee will review applications on a first come, first served basis and will contact the applicant as soon as possible if eligible for funding. Grant approval will be based on available funds, student needs, and options. Rewarded funds might be regarded as taxable income. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.