Student Emergency Fund (SEF)

SEF application funds are allocated to those experiencing temporary financial hardships resulting from a sudden emergency, accident or unforeseen event. All SEF application requests are reviewed by the Student Assistance Resource Center in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid.

• Student must have a temporary financial hardship resulting from a sudden emergency, accident or unforeseen event.
• Student must be currently enrolled at HSC during the semester seeking financial assistance.
• Student must be able to provide documentation of emergency need cost and any other related documentation requested.
• Funds are awarded only to the recipient.
• Not have received SEF funding within the same academic year.
• Max award amount is $1,200 per application with a $2,000 lifetime max.

• SARC in collaboration with FAO will manage the communications, requests, awarding and processing of SEF awards.
• SEF awards are allocated to students experiencing temporary financial hardships.
• Students can apply to the SEF via online application using the Maxient Form (unthsc.edu/studentassistance) and must submit required documentation.
  • Required documentation include statement of how the emergency has caused financial hardship that has impacted their current academic semester, copies of expenses you are requesting funds to pay, and any other relevant documents notating financial hardship that support the request for funding.
• Once the application is submitted, the application will be reviewed by SARC.
• Students will receive email communication from SARC to schedule a meeting with the student to learn additional information.
  • Email communication includes a standard list of community resources to ensure that urgent basic needs can be addressed during the application review period.
• SARC will communicate with FAO to verify student’s financial aid status to verify student has not reached their COA.
  • If remaining COA = $0, then approval of special circumstance form is required by FAO.
• SARC meets with student to determine all eligibility requirements (i.e., temporary financial hardship, unforeseen event, currently enrolled, etc.).
  • If special circumstance form approval is required, then SARC verifies recommended award amount with FAO for approval.
• Students are eligible to receive SEF award not to exceed $1,200 if all eligibility requirements are met.
• SEF awards will be disbursed through the standard student refund process. The SEF award amount will be delivered to students via direct deposit.
  • Applications will be reviewed by SARC.
  • SEF award amount will be approved by the Executive Director for Student and Academic Success and the AID form will be submitted by SARC.
  • FAO will receive AID form and refund SEF award amount to students.
• SARC will send communication to student that SEF award is approved.
• Students not eligible for SEF award will be referred to a FAO advisor and provided additional resources.

A request for financial assistance does not automatically guarantee approval. 

• Covered expenses may include but are not limited to:
  • Funds for immediate shelter
  • Rent
  • Utilities
  • Medical Care
  • Child Care
  • Auto repair
  • Safety related needs

• Expenses not covered include:
  • Tuition and fees
  • Entertainment/recreation
  • Credit card debt
  • Non-essential expenses or non-emergency travel
  • Misuse of financial aid funding
  • On-going expenses

• Examples of qualifying emergency situations are, but not limited to:
  • Medical emergency
  • Auto accident
  • House/apartment fire

FY 23 Numbers:

• Student Emergency Fund: 14 awards averaging ~$1,129/award, $15,813 total.
• Food Pantry: 820 visits, 3018.58 pounds of food taken.