Purpose:
The Western Carolina University Division of Student Affairs Student Emergency Fund is provided through the funds raised by the annual Legacy Walk fundraiser. This fund is for limited financial assistance when students are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an emergency situation.
The dollars provided through this fund are not a loan, but students receiving support are encouraged to repay the fund if possible so that other students may also benefit.
Funds are counted as income and may be subjected to federal and/or state taxes. Information will also be share with Financial Aid if applicable.
Types of Covered Expenses:
Typical expenses that may be covered include those that arise from unexpected incidents that create financial hardship.
Please understand that this fund is not available to assist students whose expenses exceed their income and/or who have suffered a job loss themselves or in their family.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicant must be a currently enrolled full-time student (undergraduate or graduate) at Western Carolina University and have temporary financial hardship resulting from an emergency situation.
- An individual is only eligible one time during their academic career at Western Carolina University to receive emergency assistance.
- Other possible resources have been considered and are not available or insufficient.
- Be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial hardship such as a bill or a price quote.
- Good standing with the University.
Hardships:
To inclue but not limited to:
- Natural Disasters
- Fire damage or need for temporary housing
- Medical emergency
- Travel emergency
- Accidents
Supporting Documentation:
To include but not limited to:
- Medical Bills
- Estimates for repairs
- Documentary Evidence (photographs or videos)
- Letters of Support (Usually witnesses of your need)
- Financial Information
- Expert Evaluations
- Contact the Division of Student Affairs at 828-227-7234 or print a copy of the application here.
- Fill out application and supply appropriate documentation and submit to the Office of Studen Affairs located at 114 Scott East.
- If approved, you will be notified of the fund amount and the money will be distributed in the form of a check from the university within approximately 48 hours of approval.
- Assistance may also be available through various Jackson County agencies.
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Staff Discretion:
Decisions regarding distributions of monies from the Student Emergency Fund will be made on a case-by-case basis and will be made by the Student Emergency Fund Review Committee.
Questions/Other Resources:
For additional information about the Student Emergency Fund contact the Division of Student Affairs at 828-227-7234.
All information will remain confidential