Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund offers a financial award to help support students encountering an unforeseen emergency situation. The funding is limited to currently enrolled students who are attending CMU. This funding is intended to offer financial assistance during unexpected circumstances that impact a student’s ability to continue their studies. This award is not a long-term solution to fund a student’s education.

The Student Emergency Fund is supported by donors who want to ensure students can graduate from CMU. Their gifts are provided to help support students who are faced with an unexpected financial emergency that threatens their ability to remain focused on their studies. Mostly, the donors hope that this gift will lift your burden, as an investment in your future. This will be a one-time disbursement of up to $4000 based on the supporting documentation. The intent of this fund is to help as many students as possible. One day, when you are able, perhaps you will financially contribute to this fund to help another student in need. *All other avenues of support must be exhausted before applying for this funding.

• Domestic students must have a FAFSA on file. International students must be in full compliance with all visa regulations and maintain F-1 or J-1 status.
• Domestic students' federal student loans must be activated.
• Required: a letter of explanation detailing all applicable circumstances.
• Required: supporting documentation for the emergency indicated in your letter.
• Required: supporting documentation for the expenses incurred as a result of the emergency.

What is considered an emergency?

• Emergency medical expenses not covered by insurance
• A personal injury or an accident
• Costs to travel home unexpectedly for a family emergency (death, illness, disaster, etc.)
• Replacement of belongings lost due to burglary, fire, flood, or other disaster

What is not considered an emergency?

• Personal choices that result in a shortage of funding
• Home country monetary deflations or changes in the exchange rate
• Taking excessive credits or summer enrollment that is beyond your budget
• Buying a car

Fund amounts

Awards will vary based on the need, funding availability, and supporting documentation for the requested financial amount. Awards are allowable up to $4,000. International Students: Awards may be considered taxable income, and international student taxes may apply. Please refer to your Sprintax profile for additional information regarding taxes. Students may need to file a U.S. and state tax return. 

*Supporting documentation is proof of the statements made in the detailed letter. Examples could include (but are not limited to) bank statements, police reports, insurance claims, a medical professional's letter, expense invoices, etc.

If you would like to make a gift to the International Student Emergency Fund, please click the following link to be directed to  CMU’s giving page.