Dean's Emergency Fund

Eligibility

Terminal Master’s and PhD students registered full-time in one of the degree programs of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are eligible to apply for emergency funding. 

The fund does not cover recurring expenses. The following are examples of eligible and ineligible expenses:

Additional support resources on campus are listed at the bottom of this page.

Application information

Please use the application link below to submit an emergency fund request. Applicants are asked to provide a brief description of the emergency situation, an itemized budget of the funding requested, and PDF copies of receipts or estimates for anticipated or incurred emergency expenses.

Review process

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The review process typically takes between 3-5 business days from application submission. Once completed, the applicant will be notified of the emergency fund committee's decision by email. If approved, funds will then be disbursed in the next available pay period.

Repayment

Emergency fund awards do not require repayment. However, to replenish the fund and ensure that future students can receive the same benefit, we encourage awardees to consider donating to the fund in the future if their finances allow.

Local 33 contractual funds

Beginning in October 2024, Graduate Workers will be eligible to apply to Local 33 for financial assistance with expenses in the following categories:

• Family and dependent assistance fund: for Graduate Workers who are not eligible for the PhD student Family Subsidy;
• Technology fund: for Graduate Workers who need assistance with funds to purchase or repair a laptop or other technology for use in their bargaining unit work;
• International fund: for Graduate Workers who have out-of-pocket legal expenses related to visa and immigration proceedings, and any related matters;
• Health care fund: for Graduate Workers with out-of-pocket medical and dental care expenses.

More information about these funds can be found in Article 35 of the Local 33 contract. Questions about these funds, including questions about eligibility and the application process, should be sent directly to Local 33. 

Once these funds are available in October 2024, the emergency fund application process will be updated. After Local 33 funds open to application, please note the following: 

If you have an expense that is eligible for funding both through the Local 33 contract and from the Dean’s emergency fund, you must first apply for reimbursement from the applicable Local 33 contractual fund. If your expenses are otherwise eligible for emergency funding per the criteria listed above, you may receive assistance from the Dean’s emergency fund if your request for funding through the Local 33 contract has been denied (or the reimbursement(s) you receive under the contract is not sufficient to cover the full cost of your expense). You will be required to certify that you have applied for the relevant contractual fund, including the amount(s) of any reimbursements received, and to upload relevant documentation as part of your emergency fund application.