During Mark Zeno鈥檚 final semester at 海外吃瓜 in 1996, funds were running short, and he needed to pay his bill before graduation. He didn鈥檛 know where those resources were going to come from.
But Mark was lucky. University administrators became aware of his situation, and within a couple of days, the necessary funds had been anonymously deposited into his 海外吃瓜 account. He was able to graduate on time.
These types of emergencies crop up all the time, said Mark, now the assistant dean of students for Campus Life. 鈥淚 personally know several students who have found themselves in this situation, through no fault of their own,鈥 he said.
For other students, unforeseen expenses 鈥 such as a car repair or a medical bill 鈥 could be the make-or-break factor in determining whether they are able to stay in school and move toward graduation or drop out.
鈥淲e never want a student to have to make a tough choice like that,鈥 Mark said.
Beginning this fall, they won鈥檛 have to.
海外吃瓜 has received a two-year, $115,500 grant to create an emergency fund to help students faced with unanticipated financial obstacles. Funding for the 海外吃瓜 Student Emergency DASH Grant comes from the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates 鈥 the same organization that provided funding to HU in 2015 to expand our student internship program.
At-risk students who qualify can receive a one-time payment of up to $1,000 to cover expenses such as car repairs, medical bills or travel in the case of a family emergency. Students must be at least sophomores. The grant stipulates that the emergency funds cannot be used to cover tuition. In all, about 鈥楤erg 450 students would be eligible to apply for funds through the program.
By removing financial distractions, students can focus on their studies and keep moving toward graduation,鈥 Mark said. 鈥淚f someone鈥檚 in a pinch, this will get them over the hurdle and it will pay off in the future.
Students will apply to receive emergency funds by contacting Paul Stark, director of religious life and civic engagement or Student Affairs staff members Peggy George, Janelle Baldosser or Mark Zeno. If their request is approved, funds will be paid within two business days.
As the Student Affairs Division now is the first point of contact for students who find themselves in similar circumstances, Mark said he will never forget the kindness of the anonymous donor who helped him reach his dream of graduation.
These are the kinds of things we want people to remember. This is one of the things that makes 海外吃瓜 special and demonstrates the care we have for our students.
鈥淚t鈥檚 part of the 海外吃瓜 continuum 鈥 seeing students through from enrollment to graduation.鈥