Emergency Aid

Student Emergency Fund

The Mississippi University for Women's Student Emergency Fund assists MUW students by providing financial support when assistance is needed to cover unexpected emergency expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, fire damage, etc. This fund is designed to assist those who cannot reasonably resolve their financial difficulty through scholarships, loans, or other financial aid awards. Students may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources. This funding is not intended to replace or supplement existing financial aid and does not have to be repaid.

All applications to the Student Emergency Fund will be evaluated by select faculty and staff members in a confidential manner.

Applicants may be required to meet with a representative from the Student Emergency Fund to discuss their application.

If you have questions regarding the Student Emergency Fund, contact the Financial Aid Office at (662) 329-7114.

Donate to the Student Emergency Fund

Fund Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must demonstrate an immediate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident
• The expense must be unexpected, unforeseen, and the urgent nature unavoidable
• Applicants must be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student
• Applicants must complete all questions all questions in full on the application and submit supporting documentation
• All other resources, including loans through the Financial Aid office, have been considered and are insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner
• Preference will be given to first-time applicants

Types of Expenses Covered by the Fund

• Emergency housing expenses
• Emergency medical expenses, prescription eyeglasses, or essential dental work
• Medication/prescription expenses
• Replacement of belongings lost in a fire or natural disaster
• Safety-related needs (e.g. changing locks, short term emergency shelter)
• Food and transportation
• Travel expenses due to serious illness or death in the immediate family
• Homelessness or sudden loss of housing
• Loss of childcare

Expenses NOT Covered by the Fund

(this is not an exhaustive list)

• Tuition, books, fees, testing fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs
• Non-essential utilities (e.g. cable), household, or furniture costs not related to damage or theft
• Regularly anticipated fixed expenses (e.g. cell phone, credit card, or cable)
• Parking tickets, library fines, or other expenses mistakenly incurred
• Funds for the replacement of lost or stolen items
• Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses