Student Financial Services

Emergency financial support still available to OU students

icon of a calendarJanuary 11, 2021

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Emergency financial support still available to OU students
Students in classroom

As the pandemic continues, many students have lost jobs and income, and some are dealing with family members who are sick. OU is committed to providing support in the face of these challenges. Applications are being accepted for emergency aid through the OU Student Emergency Relief Fund. 

“We want our students to know that the entire university is committed to helping them succeed,” said Dawn Aubry, vice president for enrollment management. “The Student Emergency Relief Fund is available to help students manage financial challenges so they can complete their degree and pursue their goals beyond graduation.”  

Funds are for limited emergency financial support to currently enrolled degree-seeking students who are unable to meet essential expenses due to a temporary or unexpected hardship.

The maximum amount awarded generally does not exceed $500 and is typically only awarded once. Decisions regarding disbursement of funds are made on a case-by-case basis. Awards are not considered loans and do not require repayment. Some funds may be considered income and are therefore subject to federal taxes.

Examples of expenses that may be considered for funding include:

  • Utilities
  • Car repairs or emergency transportation
  • School-related expenses, excluding textbooks
  • Replacement of essential belongings due to theft or loss in a fire, flood or natural disaster
  • Safety-related needs (e.g. lock change)
  • Emergency temporary lodging if you find yourself homeless or in an unsafe situation
  • Emergency medical treatment/medication/prescriptions when you do not have the ability to pay and the costs cannot be covered by insurance
  • Travel expenses to return home in case of a sudden family death or other emergency

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be degree-seeking students at Oakland University
  • Applicants must be able to provide documentation of their financial hardship.
  • Students seeking assistance during summer sessions and who are not enrolled but are registered for fall courses may qualify for alternative forms of assistance.
  • All other resources, including Student Financial Aid, must have been considered and are insufficient or unavailable.

Applying for Funding

Emergency funding through the Dean of Students Office or Student Financial Services is reserved for students who have exhausted all other available options. Prior to awarding funding, OU staff will determine if scholarships or grants are available.

To apply for funding, students must contact a Dean of Students Office or Student Financial Services staff member to discuss their needs, and then complete the Student Emergency Relief Fund Form. Students will be asked to provide supporting documentation to verify their need.

Contact the Dean of Students at (248) 370-3352 or [email protected]Contact Student Financial Services at (248) 370-2550 or [email protected].

Contribute to the Student Emergency Relief Fund

The Student Emergency Relief Fund is made possible through the generous donations of OU faculty, staff, alumni and donors. To contribute to the fund, visit the web page.

“It is important for us to take care of our students and do all we can to support them through graduation,” said Michael Wadsworth, dean of students. “The Student Emergency Relief Fund is one way that our OU faculty, staff, alumni and donors can support students during challenging times.”

Students who are experiencing food insecurity should contact the OU Food Pantry at [email protected] or (248) 370-2400.

Students who need assistance with current semester finances should contact Student Financial Services at (248) 370-2550 to discuss additional options.

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