We understand that even with the best planning, and utilizing all the resources at your disposal, there still might be times when you need assistance to pay for an unexpected expense caused by an emergency. The Saint Mary’s Emergency Fund includes donations from alumnae, friends of the College, parents, and even our own students to assist current students with funds to cover unexpected expenses.

These funds, awarded in the form of a one-time grant, provide relief for an immediate need resulting from an emergency. They will not be awarded to cover a gap on, or inability to pay for, fixed costs paid directly to Saint Mary’s College, such funds to cover tuition, fees, or room and board. Priority will be given to students who have fully taken advantage of student loan opportunities available to them (including students who have taken alternative loans to cover expenses). In most cases, the Office of Student Equity will make direct payments or purchase items needed. In extremely rare cases, these grants will be awarded in the form of a check to the student. In the case that the assistance is awarded to cover medical expense charges from the Health and Counseling Center, the award will be credited directly to the student’s account.

The associate director for the Office for Student Equity coordinates this program and a committee reviews the applications to determine eligibility. 

Application Process

All current students attending in-person Saint Mary's classes who are in need of emergency funding assistance are encouraged to apply. As part of the application process, you will be required to meet with Christin Kloski, associate director for the Office for Student Equity. You will be contacted after you submit your application to schedule a meeting.

 Application

Eligible Expenses

The following is a list of emergency expenses that could be considered for this award. An emergency is defined as: an unforseen event or unexpected circumstance that has arisen during the academic year.

A student will be able to apply for a maximum of one award per semester. A student applying for additional awards in subsequent semesters will be required to complete a new application for each award. Students attending Saint Mary's exclusively online do not quality for this program.

Examples of emergency expenses that may qualify for grants include, but are not limited to:

  • Technology needs (such as a laptop or laptop charger)
  • Unexpected or emergency travel
  • Books and supplies
  • Insurance
  • Medical expenses, medication, or medical supplies
  • Application fees for immigration, non-medical testing or other processes

Examples of expenses that do NOT qualify include, but are not limited to:

  • Funds to cover tuition, college fees, or room and board
  • Transportation
    • personal car expenses (car repairs, car payments, or insurance) 
    • gas reimbursements
    • expected travel to/from campus at the beginning and end of each semester or during breaks
    • personal flights 
    • travel to/from campus for course placements (clinicals, student teaching) 
  • Off campus housing needs
    • rent and utilities 
    • grocery and toiletry assistance 
  • Reimbursement for already purchased items (such as a new laptop or laptop repairs) 
  • Cell phone expenses
  • Student ID replacement
  • COVID testing done off-campus
  • Study abroad fees (visa, passport, travel vaccinations, or personal expenses) 
  • Medical expenses for family members

Questions and Additional Information

For additional information or to check on the status of an Emergency Fund application, contact ose@saintmarys.edu.