Student Emergency Fund FAQ
The rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation has had a tremendous financial impact on our students. We recognize the uncertainty that BGSU students and families are facing and want to ensure our students have access to emergency funds. The campus community has raised more than $88,000 to support BGSU students who experience an accident, illness, financial hardship, or other emergency situation that may jeopardize their ability to continue their education.
The fund supports currently enrolled students who are experiencing financial hardships, accidents, illnesses, or other emergency situations that jeopardize their ability to remain a student at BGSU.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the University is prioritizing requests related to housing and food, as well as reliable internet access during the online learning period.
Funds are paid directly to a landlord for rent. A gift card is provided to the student for food. The University will also directly pay an internet service provider.
To ensure as many students can be assisted as possible, there are certain requests that are typically not funded. For example, the University will likely not be able to assist with credit card and medical bills, as well as car payments and insurance.
In addition, the University is strongly encouraging students to speak with their utility providers since most are delaying cut-off actions during this global pandemic.
Finally, the fund cannot be used to pay for outstanding balances owed to the University.
A staff member within the Office of the Dean of Students will review your submission and call you within the next 1-2 business days. Speaking with a staff member is an opportunity to evaluate the entire circumstances affecting you and for the staff member to identity all the various support options which might be helpful.
The University will need a copy of your current lease in order to pay the landlord.
The University will need a copy of your current monthly service bill to pay your internet provider.
After speaking with you and receiving the required documentation listed above, the University can likely process payment within a few business days. A gift card for food can be purchased within the next business day.
Student Emergency Fund Testimonials
“This award allows me the time needed to look for safe employment, which is very important to my family and I. BGSU is providing me the opportunity to stay safe and protect my loved ones. I have a brother with cerebral palsy at home with my parents and with his immune system being compromised, this award allows me to have a place to reside, without endangering my brother."
- J.M. BGSU Student
"Thanks to the Student Emergency fund, I was aided in paying my rent, and loaned a laptop to complete the semester. I’m still not 100% sure if I’ll be set for the rest of the semester, but this has taken a HUGE load off of my shoulders. I’m not sure what I would’ve down without the help of the Student Emergency fund.”
- S.C., BGSU Student
“It will help me remain at the university by helping putting food and other necessities in my home. It will also help me be successful at BGSU this summer by not having to drop out and I will be able to finish my last semester out. “
- B.B., BGSU Student
“Thank you so much. This will help my family a lot.”
- O.Z., BGSU Student
“I didn't really express my gratitude on the phone because I couldn't believe it, but I really want to thank you and the university for helping me through these tough times. I'm really appreciative for the aid and will not forget."
- A.G. - BGSU Student
“This support from the S.E.F. will help me remain at the university because I will be able to have rent covered for this month and not have to stress about money which is such a blessing. I will be more successful because I don’t have to keep thinking about money and what food I’m going to have to eat the next day and now I can actually focus on my school work and pass all my classes.”
- E.P.O., BGSU Student
Updated: 08/31/2020 08:34AM