Student Emergency Fund

students talking to eachother in a classroom

Sometimes, things happen. We are here to help.

CU Boulder has a commitment to inclusive excellence, and we believe all students should have access to all the resources and support they need to thrive in college and finish their education. CU Boulder’s Student Emergency Fund (SEF) is a stipend that can assist students during unanticipated life events that might cause the student to pause or stop their educational goals. The fund is managed by the Division of Student Affairs.

Case managers in the Division of Student Affairs support students who are experiencing a financial emergency or have financial concerns. Our staff understands that the financial concerns may go beyond what the emergency fund is able to support. Our team will work with you to explore financial resources on and off campus, which includes looking into additional emergency funding here at CU Boulder.

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Students are eligible to receive funding awards once an academic year. SEF is considered taxable income and could impact a student’s future financial aid. A student receiving financial aid will be notified if any adjustments are made to their aid as a result of receiving emergency funding.

This relief fund will only be awarded after a student has submitted an online application, provided supporting documentation as requested and submitted a personal statement with a case manager. Please note, every situation is considered on a case-by-case basis. The reviewers will consider the nature and urgency of each situation. However, this looks different for every student. All students experiencing an emergency are encouraged to apply so they may be connected to a case manager to explore options.

How to apply

  • .
  • Meet with a case manager.
  • Provide documentation of your need as requested on a case-by-case basis. This can be collected after your initial application.

Once your online application is submitted, a representative from the Division of Student Affairs will contact you as quickly as possible to set up a time to speak more about your application. Applications will be reviewed as funds are available. Once funds are exhausted, application review will pause. All decisions are final, although applicants may be encouraged to re-apply at a later date or with different documentation.

Eligibility requirements

Thoroughly review the following requirements below before applying. Eligible students must:

  • Be currently enrolled in CU Boulder for at least one credit hour. If it is a break period, you must be enrolled for the upcoming semester.
  • Have a demonstrated need for financial support through the emergency fund.
  • Submit a completed online application and complete documentation gathering with a case manager as requested in order to provide documentation of financial need.

Students are eligible to receive this fund once an academic year, which are determined by CU Boulder Academic Calendar.

Expenses covered include, but are not limited to:

  • Personal medical, dental or mental health emergencies.
  • Emergency family medical or death expenses for those that you are financially responsible for. This will be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Safety and health related needs.
  • Rent and utilities in case of emergency. For example, if you are hospitalized and unable to work and you cannot pay your rent.
  • Care for dependents.
  • Costs related to major accidents or loss due to fire, theft or natural disaster.
  • Can cover costs related to one’s immigration case or court hearing.
  • Books, supplies and access codes. Technology will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Emergency funds will not be approved to cover costs such as:

  • Personal debt such as credit cards.
  • Veterinary bills and pet expenses.
  • Tuition.
  • Legal fees that are unrelated to immigration.
  • Leisurely activities, personal trips and student travel or conferences.
  • Other items not specifically listed that are identified as not meeting one or more of the following criteria: Emergency circumstances, unanticipated circumstances or clear financial need.

Interested in supporting the Student Emergency Fund?

The Student Emergency Fund provides support for students who are facing emergency situations or unanticipated life events that could adversely affect their academic year at the University of Colorado Boulder.