Skip to Main Content Skip to Footer Toggle Navigation Menu

Emergency Aid Program

Macalester’s Emergency Aid Program is intended for students who are experiencing an unanticipated financial hardship and have no other resources to draw from. Students approved to receive funds from the Emergency Aid Program are typically students who demonstrate very high levels of financial need and do not have family members or other resources to assist them. Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Travel expenses due to a family emergency
  • Dental needs
  • Eyewear needs
  • Medical expenses
  • Computer needs
  • Theft of personal belongings
  • Safety needs

Emergency Aid Request Form

Please complete and submit the form to tell us about your need for emergency assistance.

Start Emergency Aid Request Here

Currently enrolled students may request emergency assistance. Support available is limited and will be provided based on the individual circumstances presented. In some cases, a student requesting emergency aid may be directed to existing financial aid programs, including student loans. Due to the limited nature of this program, some requests may be denied. In most cases, a student will receive emergency assistance only once per academic year. Funds from the Emergency Aid Program are typically limited to around $500.

Students often wonder how likely it is that an Emergency Aid Program request will be approved. This is very challenging to answer in a helpful manner because each student’s circumstances are unique. By providing the guidelines above, we are seeking transparency without discouraging requests from students in need.

The Emergency Aid Program is not related to Macalester’s regular financial aid program. Financial aid applicants who have special circumstances should request reconsideration of their financial aid eligibility. More information can be found here.

Emergency funding may create a taxable event and require reporting to the IRS and/or other relevant taxing authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Aid

  • What criteria does the Emergency Aid Committee use to evaluate a request?

    The Emergency Aid Program (EAP) committee reviews your financial situation as documented by the Financial Aid office, whether you have availed yourself of available funds, including loan options and credit balances on your student account, and whether the request is related to an emergency situation.
  • What do you mean by emergency?

    Merriam-Webster defines ‘emergency’ as “an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action.” We often are looking for whether the event was sudden, unexpected, required quick resolution, and was out of your control.

     
  • What sort of documentation does the EAP committee need to review my medical request?

    For medical requests, we ask for billing statements (if the appointment/procedure has already happened) or official quotes. We ask that you make sure your bill has been processed through insurance first – if you have questions about whether your insurance has been appropriately processed, you can work with the Insurance and Referral Specialist, Nicola Michael-Tsai ([email protected]) in the Hamre Center.
  • Are there low cost dental providers I should consider or that the EAP recommends?

    UMN Dental School (open to all students, regardless of immigration status)

    Open Cities Health Center (for US citizens)

    Hope Dental Clinic (for US citizens)
  • Is there a reconsideration process if my request is denied?

    The Emergency Aid Program committee reviews requests thoroughly and does not have a process to appeal the decision. You are always welcome to contact the Financial Aid Office if you have questions about your financial situation, but reconsideration of Emergency Aid Program decisions is not a possibility.
  • If my request is approved, how quickly will I receive funds?

    For medical appointments, in most cases we will call and make payment over the phone to the dentist or doctor’s office directly. For bills that have already been paid or past expenses, if we submit a check request on a Tuesday, you will receive reimbursement that Friday (if you have direct deposit set up with Macalester).
  • Does the EAP offer assistance with non-laptop (phones, tablets, headphones, etc) technology requests?

    It depends. When devices such as phones and tablets are at the end of their lifespan, we consider that routine replacement and not an emergency. If there’s an uncontrollable and unpredictable emergency situation (theft of belongings, as an example), the Emergency Aid Program may be able to help. Decisions are made on a case by case basis.
  • Can the EAP pay for my flight to or from campus?

    Possibly, if the flight is related to an unpredictable and uncontrollable emergency situation. If the flight is related to routine travel to/from campus during breaks in the academic calendar, the Emergency Aid Program cannot provide monetary support.
  • How quickly will I get a response from the EAP committee?

    The Emergency Aid Committee usually meets twice per week during the academic year. In most cases, students will receive a response within 3 school days. If you haven’t heard back within a week, feel free to email [email protected] for a timeline update.

Support Resources for Macalester Students