SPS Student Emergency Fund

• Submit a SPS Emergency Fund application via SPS Engage.
• Upload proof of financial hardship resulting from an emergency outside of your control.
• Upload documentation demonstrating you have exhausted all other resources of funding and/or a budget template.
• Upload documentation that reflects what the emergency funding is being utilized for and/or where it will be applied.
• Please upload a copy of your FAFSA form, or its equivalent, if applicable.

Once you have submitted your application and all required documenation a member of the Office of Student Wellness will contact you to confirm reciept and schedule a meeting. Please note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Currently enrolled Master of Science students who have completed at least 12 credits towards their degree and a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average; 
• Facing unanticipated and unforeseeable financial hardship resulting from a legitimate emergency/catastrophic event, including COVID-19;
• Students must be in good academic, administrative and behavioral standing at the time of application and for the duration of the award;
• Students who are US Citizens or Permanent Residents are required to fill out a FAFSA form, or its equivalent; If you have not already met with Student Financial Services -- please schedule a meeting with them to review your options. 
• Exhausted all other financial resources, including federal & personal loans, scholarships and grants, insurance, free or low cost services, family and personal contributions, public assistance such as food pantry & SNAP and government benefits and subsidies. . A member of our team will be able to assist you in utilizing these resources if you have not done so.
• Clear and credible plan for meeting expenses for the remainder of enrollment at SPS. 

Offered on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

All applicants should note references pertaining to discrimination; harassment; sexual misconduct or intimate partner abuse and stalking, disclosed in this application or accompanying documentation may be required to be disclosed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmitive Action.

• Emergency housing assistance which could include rent, security deposit, short-term hotel costs incurred to relocate for an unanticipated reason, personal safety, etc.
• Unexpected medical, mental health or dental costs not covered by insurance.
• Unplanned travel expenses to receive medical care, care for a family member, etc. Examples could include airfare, car rental, bus or train fare, etc.
• Costs of additional equipment, software or services to complete educational requirements via remote learning.
• Temporary assistance with food insecurity.
• Emergency personal or “incidental” expenses such as clothing, hygiene items, etc.
• Safety-related needs such as change of locks, relocation fees, etc.

• Credit card debts;
• Penalties, fines, parking or other tickets;
• Non-essential expenses;
• Costs related to inflation and/or currency exchanges;
• Expenses due to a lack of planning or overspending;
• Legal fees
• For students receiving financial aid, any expenses included in the standard cost of attendance will not typically be considered, although unexpected increases beyond those expenses will be considered, as outlined in the previous section.

Please review the Wellness Resources page or schedule a meeting with The Office of Student Wellness at sps-wellness [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu to further disucss your individual needs at this time.