Emergency Financial Assistance
The Austin College Emergency Fund offers limited emergency financial assistance to students with emergencies or unexpected hardships that occur during the semester. The fund serves to offset short-term financial need and is not a replacement for or supplement to financial aid. Awards are not considered loans and do not require repayment. Ordinarily, the maximum annual award is $750 per student, based upon availability of funds. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first come, first served basis.
Possible Expenses Covered by the Emergency Fund
(this list is not exhaustive)
- Medications and other costs related to emergency medical care (not covered by insurance).
- Replacement of essential personal belongings or temporary housing needs, due to fire, theft, or natural disaster that are not covered by insurance.
- Travel costs related to a death or illness in the immediate family.
- Needs related to personal safety, including the needs of victims of domestic violence, transphobia, or homophobia.
- Food or transportation needs that impact ability to get to school (car repair, bus passes).
- Homelessness or sudden loss of housing.
- Books and other essential academic expenses
Expenses Not Covered
(this list is not exhaustive)
- Tuition, fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs.
- Non-essential utility or personal bills such as: cable, credit card, cell phone, etc.
- Regularly anticipated fixed expenses (i.e. rent).
- Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses.
- Parking tickets, library or other fines, late fees, court fees, traffic violations, or other expenses mistakenly incurred
- Funds for the replacement of lost or stolen non-essential items
For an application, please contact John Williams, Austin College Chaplain at 903-813-2220 or JWilliams@austincollege.edu.
Emergency Transportation
When students are unable to find transportation for non-emergency visits such as a doctor, dentist, therapy, counseling or pharmacy within the city limits of Sherman or Denison, the Office of Student Affairs can assist. To request transportation assistance, please call 903-813-2428 or visit the Office of Student Affairs in Wright Campus Center 251. You can also email studentaffairs@austincollege.edu.
Food and/or Housing Insecurities
If you are experiencing food insecurities, homelessness, or do not have stable housing, our Dean of Students can assist. Please call 903-813-2306 or visit the Office of Student Life in Wright Campus Center 201. You can also email studentlife@austincollege.edu.