Student emergency funds

The University of Minnesota Morris has emergency funding available to assist and support students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency or catastrophic event. These grants enable a student to remain in school, rather than being forced to take a leave of absence or drop out. Priority will be given to students whose persistence at the University may be at risk because of these unexpected expenses. 

Emergency funds can be used for groceries/food, housing/rent, medical, transportation, technology, or other expenses that may be experienced during a financial crisis. They are not intended to be used for routine expenses or as a supplement to a student’s education funding sources. 

Request funds

To request student emergency funds, complete and submit the Student Assistance Grant for Emergencies application. Contact One Stop Student Services if you need assistance. 

Student Assistance Grant for Emergencies

The Student Assistance Grant for Emergencies has been created for the purpose of providing quick-response emergency grants for short-term financial emergencies, enabling a student to remain in school, rather than being forced to take a leave of absence or drop out. A completed FAFSA is highly recommended so that we can determine what other funding options may be available to you. A FAFSA is not required for international students, undocumented students, and students enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

To be considered eligible, you must:

  • be a currently enrolled, degree-seeking student at the University of Minnesota Morris during the term in which the emergency funds are requested;
  • demonstrate financial need by describing your circumstances and providing documentation or receipts related to the emergency that show:
    • an amount paid or total balance due
    • the date when the emergency occurred (the emergency must occur within the term the funds are requested); and
  • complete the application.

An eligibility review will determine if other financial aid can be maximized before awarding an emergency grant. Emergency funds can be used for food, rent, medical, transportation, technology, or other expenses that may be impacted during a financial crisis.

Expenses generally covered, but are not limited to:

  • unexpected emergency medical or dental expenses that are not covered by insurance
  • replacement costs of essential academic equipment in the event of fire, theft, or other disaster that are not covered by insurance
  • support for emergency-related transportation expenses
  • emergency related living expenses that are not already included in the cost of attendance

Expenses generally not covered:

  • tuition, fees, and study abroad expenses
  • components of the budgeted cost of attendance
  • parking tickets or other fines
  • non-emergency or maintenance-related transportation expenses
  • non-essential personal and miscellaneous expenses

Note: If you or your family’s financial situation has changed significantly from what was submitted on your FAFSA (for example, job loss or other loss of income), you may be eligible to have your financial aid adjusted. Contact One Stop Student Services if this applies to you.