Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund provides financial assistance to currently enrolled Pitzer College students during the academic year who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an emergency situation. Award amounts will vary depending on the type of emergency and depending on funds available. The goal of this fund is to prevent one small emergency or unexpected expense from derailing a student’s academic journey. The fund is made possible through generous donations.
PLEASE NOTE: We will not be able to approve all requests, but we can assist in directing students toward other funding options.
Please see tabs below for eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, and additional resources. Students can apply here.
More Information
Emergency Fund Eligibility Guidelines
The Emergency Fund is designed to assist students facing unexpected financial hardships that may impact their ability to succeed academically. Our goal is to ensure that the Emergency Fund addresses the most critical and academically impactful needs. Below are the categories of expenses that are eligible and ineligible for funding, including but not limited to the following:
What Is Eligible
Medical Expenses
Non-recurring and emergency medical expenses that are not already covered by insurance or other financial resources.
Essential Educational Materials
Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged educational materials (e.g., textbooks, lab equipment) that are not available through the Student Success Lending Library or other institutional resources.
Family Emergencies
Travel expenses (e.g., flights, bus, or train tickets) for urgent family situations, such as a family member's death or critical illness requiring your presence.
Natural Disaster Emergency Support
Assistance with temporary essential needs due to displacement or hardship caused by unforeseen events, such as fires, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
Technology Replacement
Replacement of essential technology (e.g., laptop, charger) required for coursework due to theft, loss, or damage, when no other resources are available.
What Is Not Eligible
Routine Living and Personal Expenses
Expenses such as rent, storage, utilities, or groceries, including during summer breaks or while studying abroad.
Non-Emergency Travel
Routine travel costs including during semester breaks or vacations.
Family-Related Needs
Emergency expenses intended to benefit family members directly (e.g., family medical bills or rent payments).
Cell Phones and Plans
Purchases of cell phones, accessories, or service plans.
Professional Development Expenses
Costs associated with student conferences, graduate school test preparation, or professional certification exams.
Vehicle-Related Costs
Repairs, maintenance, or damages to personal vehicles.
Optional Lifestyle Expenses
Expenses such as gym memberships, entertainment, or non-essential subscriptions.
Additional Notes
- Requests must be directly tied to the student’s ability to remain enrolled and succeed academically.
- Students are encouraged to explore other campus resources, such as the Student Success Lending Library, before applying.
- Documentation (e.g., receipts, medical letters, police reports) may be required to substantiate the claim.
APPLY HERE
Students may apply here.
Who is eligible for the Student Emergency Fund?
The assistance will be available to actively enrolled students at Pitzer College during the academic year only. Students cannot have any academic, financial, or community standards student account holds.
What is the source of the funding?
Pitzer College will be the funding source for eligible students through the donations made through the Office of Advancement.
Who reviews the requests and determines the funding?
Applications are reviewed by Student Success Initiatives (SSI) staff within 24 hours of a business day. SSI partners and notifies the following office as applicable: Office of Student Affairs, Office of Financial Aid, Office of Student Accounts and the Office of Study Abroad and International Programs.
What is the application/approval process?
Students must complete the Student Emergency Fund application form (linked below) for consideration and respond to any follow-up inquiries from SSI Staff as needed to finalize the requested need. Communication will be primarily through email so please continue to check your email.
What is the range of Student Emergency Funds given?
Funding amounts can range and will be capped based on specific categories. Requests should be for demonstrated needs that are typically unanticipated and non-recurring. The application categories may change over time depending on current circumstances and general need. Students can utilize the emergency fund once every academic year.
The maximum for laptop repair or replacement will be $300.
The maximum for basic needs/essentials (toiletries, bed sheets, towels etc..) is $300.
The maximum for a domestic flight is $500 and International Flight is $800.
The maximum for medical emergencies is $500.
Is documentation required?
Documentation of emergency expenses is required. Documentation can include receipts, invoices, or provider estimates. Funds cannot be issued until reasonable cost for the emergency expense can be provided. Upon initial review, further documentation may be requested.
Can I use these funds to purchase a computer?
To support the purchase of an education-related computer, we can refer students to a loan designated for this purpose through Financial Aid or students can request permission from an external scholarship provider to use toward their funds for this purpose.
Can I use these emergency funds to pay for existing or past due balances?
No, funds will not be granted for the purpose of resolving any existing or past due balance.
Can an unapproved request be reconsidered?
Students who receive an email that their request cannot be granted, but the request meets an eligible criterion and is unanticipated and non-recurring, may request to meet with SSI staff.
Who can I contact with questions?
Students can send questions or comments to Student Success Initiatives at ssuccess@pitzer.edu.
APPLY HERE
Students may apply here.