We’ve Got Your Back

New funding will help ensure students stay on track toward graduation in times of trouble. (Photo by Mark McCarty)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 15, 2018) – Unexpected financial emergencies can happen to anyone.

You lost your job and you're worrying about paying rent on time. Your health insurance isn't going to cover that trip to the hospital. Your laptop broke and needs to be replaced.

Whatever the reason – new funding is available to help you stay on track toward graduation.

UAlbany’s New Emergency Fund:

UAlbany students experiencing unforeseen financial hardship can seek assistance through a new on-campus student emergency fund.

In December, the SUNY Foundation announced the launch of this fund at seven pilot campuses, including UAlbany. It is supported by donations from the Gerstner Family Foundation and the Heckscher Foundation.

Grants are available now through Student CARE Services in the Division of Student Affairs.

“Assisting students who experience emergencies that threaten to derail their success is central to our mission,” said Mike Christakis, UAlbany vice president for student affairs. “A robust student emergency fund will allow us to respond quickly to such crises and be increasingly proactive in identifying students who need our help.”

Who is Eligible?

Emergency funding will be awarded to undergraduate students facing an unexpected emergency such as theft, fire, domestic violence, homelessness or the threat of eviction, a medical emergency, natural disaster, and/or loss of employment.

Examples of eligible expenses include rent, utilities, clothing, furniture, medical expenses, back-up childcare, back-up transportation, and replacement of stolen items needed for school.

To be eligible, a student must:

• Have an emergency need supported by documentation
• Have exhausted all other financial possibilities (including loan options)
• Be a current matriculated undergraduate student at UAlbany
• Be registered for at least 6 credit hours
• Have a 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Not be a referred party in a student conduct case that could result in suspension or dismissal from the University

Students who meet the criteria above must complete an application on UAlbany Student Emergency Fund website. Once the application is received, students will be contacted for a follow-up interview.

You can also learn more about the program here.

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