Pitzer Student Emergency Fund

Entirely dependent upon donations, the Pitzer Student Emergency Fund provides financial assistance to currently enrolled Pitzer College students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an unexpected emergency situation. Emergency situations may include accident, illness, death of a family member, fire damage or need for temporary housing. The emergency fund will not cover tuition expenses. Award amounts will vary depending on the type of emergency, the individual circumstances, and the actual needs of the student affected by the emergency.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Student must be currently enrolled at Pitzer College and have temporary financial hardship resulting from an emergency situation
  • Other possible resources have been considered and are either unavailable or insufficient
  • Student must be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial hardship
  • Students can receive funding once per academic year; We do not award funding during the summer months or winter break

The Student Emergency Fund was established by a collaboration of Pitzer campus partners to help ensure that Pitzer students have access to support and resources when there is an unexpected financial crisis. The Student Emergency Fund provides financial assistance to currently enrolled Pitzer College students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an unexpected emergency situation. Award amounts will vary depending on the type of emergency, the individual circumstances, and the actual needs of the student affected by the emergency. 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 the collaboration of campus partners committed to helping students in need achieve their goal of graduating from Pitzer College. The lists below are not exhaustive and other needs may be eligible to receive emergency funds.

Minimum Qualification Review

  • The student is eligible for enrollment or is currently enrolled;
  • The student has been verified as eligible for emergency funding by Financial Aid (i.e. the student has not exceeded their maximum award);
  • Student’s financial need is likely to have a direct and foreseeable impact on the student’s academic success or retention at the university;
  • Need for financial assistance is not a result of student’s own actions
  • Student needs to be enrolled in Pitzer Case Management
  • The student has demonstrated a good faith effort to explore other funding options (e.g. insurance, free or low-cost services readily available, relatives).
  • Student agrees to submit appropriate receipts and/or documentation of need when applicable

Examples of Priority Needs

  • Emergency housing expenses
  • Essential utilities (e.g.electric, gas, water)
  • Food
  • Prescription and other costs related to medical or mental health care
  • A student has not previously received financial assistance through this fund
  • Financial needs arising from an unexpected emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incidents

Examples of Other Needs Covered

  • Academic supplies (books, technology, etc. not included in tuition and fees)
  • Travel costs related to death or illness of an immediate family member
  • Replacing essential personal or academic belongings due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
  • Other financial needs arising from individual and special circumstances to be determined on a case by case basis

Examples of Needs Not Covered

  • Tuition and student fees
  • Health insurance
  • Continuous fixed expenses (e.g. rent)
  • Study abroad costs
  • Non-essential utilities (internet, cable)
  • Household furniture unrelated to damage or theft
  • Costs of entertainment, recreation, or non-emergency travel
  • Legal counsel and fees
  • Parking tickets