Student Relief Fund Grant Application

Staff Senate Student Relief Fund. This form may be completed by enrolled students who are either in danger of withdrawing due to an unexpected, temporary financial hardship resulting from an emergency or crisis situation; or are struggling with debilitating financial circumstances which may impede your academic progress and ability to complete classes. 

Mission: 

The Student Relief Fund was created by the Staff Senate to assist enrolled students at Centenary experiencing an unanticipated financial hardship, which would interfere with the student’s ability to continue his/her education at Centenary University. Emergency funding is provided in the form of a one-time per year grant, and not required to be repaid. 

Guidelines: 

• The applicant must be a matriculated, degree seeking student in an undergraduate or graduate program, at any Centenary University location. University employees (other than work-study students) are not eligible.
• The applicant must be an active student, currently enrolled at Centenary University
• The costs must have been incurred while enrolled at Centenary University and funds must be used for an immediate need. Costs for a prior or future academic year will not be considered.
• The applicant must be in good standing at Centenary University, in regards to both conduct and academics

• An individual is only eligible to receive a grant one time per academic year (August 1-July 31)
• The grant must be used for unforeseen, short-term or temporary costs, not regular ongoing expenses
• Need must be verified with supporting documentation (i.e., quotes, receipts etc.) by a classified employee of the university
• Maximum award is $500.00. If the need is greater than $500, the request will not be considered unless there is an explanation as to how the student intends to raise the remaining funds.
• Any award is considered a grant and not meant to be re-paid. It will neither affect nor be reported to financial aid or the bursar’s office. Students receiving a grant are encouraged to give forward to others in need as they are able.

What’s Covered: 

The following examples are not all-inclusive or exclusive and all requests will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis. If a request is received that falls outside of the parameters of the Student Relief Fund, all attempts will be made to assist the student in finding additional aid and resources. 

Examples of covered expenses: 

• Travel due to family emergency, crisis or death
• Standard living expenses including rent, food, essential utilities, commuting costs
• Unanticipated childcare costs
• Car repairs
• Other immediate critical needs of the student causing acute financial stress may be considered

Expenses not covered: 

• Tuition and fees
• Textbooks, lab manuals and other course materials
• Medical/dental expenses
• Any expenses related to study abroad
• Household or furniture costs
• Costs for entertainment or recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses

How Students Apply: 

Staff, faculty, and/or administration identify a student in need and direct them to the confidential link above. Students will be prompted to answer a few specific questions/describe their need and submit a quote, estimate or bill. 

The information and supporting documentation will then go directly to the Staff Senate Executive Board for review. Applications must be complete, with all required supporting documentation, in order to be considered. Requests will be reviewed, and awards granted by the Staff Senate Executive Board, based on available funds. 

The Board will take into consideration several factors in granting or denying the request, including but not limited to: 

• The urgency of the hardship
• The degree to which the emergency impacts the student’s academic or living situation
• The availability of other support or resources that can be accessed for the particular situation
• Additional information supplied by others, such as advisors or advocates, to substantiate or clarify the student’s circumstance or need.

How the Community can help: 

The number of grants we can provide is limited by the availability of funds. Student Relief funds are raised through staff fundraising efforts, and ongoing individual contributions from staff, faculty, administrators, board of trustees, alumni, parents and friends of Centenary University. 

To keep this program sustainable and assist as many students as possible, contributions to this fund can be made in the following ways: 

1. A monthly payroll deduction. Employees who wish to set up a monthly payroll deduction should contact the Advancement Office at ext. 2253.
2. One-time donations to the Fund.