Student Emergency Fund
The College of Health Professions Student Success Emergency Fund (SSEF) was created to assist VCU CHP students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency that would otherwise prevent them from continuing their education here at VCU. More specifically, this emergency fund provides our students with financial support when faced with an unexpected, unforeseen, and unavoidable emergency expense that may be related to an accident, illness, death of a family member, fire damage, or need for temporary housing. We acknowledge that students are often faced with life altering circumstances that have the potential to derail successful academic progression. Our goal is to ensure our students have access to emergency resources during times of need - enabling them to stay in school and make progress towards their degree.
Currently enrolled CHP students may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources (credit card, payment plans, additional student aid, assistance from family/friends, other personal resources). This funding is not intended to reimburse expenses that have already been paid, or to replace or supplement existing financial aid. Payments from this fund are generally limited, and may not cover a student’s entire financial need.
Please note that students are only eligible to receive one award from this fund once during their time as a student in CHP.
- Medications and other costs related to emergency medical care
- Books and other essential academic expenses (excluding tuition and fees)
- Safety needs (i.e. changing a lock)
- Replacement of essential personal belongings or temporary housing needs, due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
- Travel costs related to a death in the immediate family
- Other expenses related to COVID-19
*This is not an exhaustive list as other circumstances may apply.
- Tuition and/or fees
- Health insurance and study abroad costs
- Non-essential utilities (i.e. cable), household, or furniture costs not related to damage or theft.
- Regularly anticipated fixed expenses (i.e. rent)*
- Parking tickets
- Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses.
- Other anticipated expenses
*Exceptions may be made if inability to pay anticipated fixed expenses is related to COVID-19.
- Applicants must have an immediate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident (i.e., COVID-19)
- The expense must be unexpected, unforeseen, and the urgent nature unavoidable
- Applicants must be currently enrolled students
- All other university-related resources, including emergency loans through Scholarships and Student Aid must have been considered and are insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner
- Applicants must complete all questions in full and submit supporting documentation
- Be able to demonstrate his/her current financial need with supporting documentation
Please note that students are only eligible to receive one award from this fund once during their time as a student in CHP.
Students who need emergency financial assistance may submit an application and supporting documentation to Student Success. Documentation can be sent via email to Student Success at achampton@vcu.edu or dropped off in the Student Success suite (2nd floor, suite 2023). The Emergency Fund Committee, made up of faculty and staff members, review the submitted application materials and determine the appropriate funding amount.
You can apply to the fund using the CHP Student Emergency Fund form. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Alena Hampton at achampton@vcu.edu.
Funds distributed do not generally exceed $500. The committee will review applications requesting in excess of these amounts for unique and unusual circumstances of emergency financial need. Applicants may be required to meet with the Assistant Dean for Student Success to discuss their application. If you are currently receiving financial aid, please be aware that receiving funding from the Student Success Emergency Fund may affect your future aid packages and funds received will be taxed as income. For information on the application please contact Student Success by emailing achampton@vcu.edu.
- Students receiving awards for living expenses will either be presented with a check, or direct deposit in the award amount designated by the Emergency Fund Committee. A photocopy of the check will be signed and dated by the student, and retained by Student Success as proof of receipt.
- Students must provide receipts and/or documentation reflecting payment towards identified emergency or return awarded funding no later than 10 days after funds have been dispersed.
- Students receiving awards for tuition and fees will have funds applied to their student account.
- While students do not need to repay this financial assistance, it may be considered as taxable.
Health and Wellness Resources
- Dental Care at VCU – Student discounted plans offered
- T1D Rams – A VCU student support group for those with Type 1 Diabetes
- General Health Resources – The VCU page with relevant medical resources for students
- RecWell at VCU – A student resource with health promotion and well-being resources
- Center for Psychological Services and Development – Individual and group counseling for the Richmond community on a sliding pay scale
- Student Groups and Support – Student and support groups within VCU
Community Health and Wellness Resources:
- Virginia Department of Health – COVID-19 Testing Sites
- Health Brigade – Local non-profit offering health services to uninsured/underinsured individuals
- Planned Parenthood – Local non-profit offering health services to uninsured/underinsured individuals
Food Security Resources
Community Food Security Resources:
- Feeding America – National food bank with nearby locations
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Formerly known as Food Stamps
- Commonwealth Catholic Charities – Local food pantry resource
- Emmaus – St. Paul’s Episcopal weekly lunch
- Food Not Bombs – A local food resource
Housing Assistance Resources
- Renter Rights and Responsibilities – Virginia laws regarding renters
- Homeward – A Richmond resource regarding housing security
- Homeless Crisis Hotline – If you or someone you know is 3 days or less from being homeless
- Phone: (804) 972-0813
- Department of Housing and Urban Development – Resources for rental assistance
- Maggie Walker Community Land Trust – Rental and assistance programs