The Graduate School at Michigan Tech is dedicated to helping all students achieve their educational goals regardless of financial circumstances. With this in mind, the Graduate School, the Alumni Board of Directors, and the Graduate Student Government established the Graduate School Emergency Fund Program (GSEFP) to financially assist graduate students with emergencies or financial hardships outside of their control.
Graduate School Emergency Fund Program
Graduate students who experience emergencies or financial hardships outside of their control can apply for small, short-term, non-interest University loans. Emergency loans are currently limited to a maximum of $500.
Who Qualifies?
In the semester the student is seeking financial assistance, the following eligibility conditions apply:
- Must be a graduate student
- Must be enrolled in at least one credit
- Must be in good academic and conduct standing
- Must not have an outstanding unpaid balance on a previous GSELP loan
- Must have demonstrated the ability to pay University fees prior to the emergency
- Must not be graduating in the application semester
Qualifying Reasons
Students who are experiencing emergencies or unexpected financial hardships may request financial assistance from the GSEFP. Examples of emergencies or hardships could include but are not limited to:
- Student is the victim of a disaster, such as a fire or flood
- Medical expenses for a student or student's dependent
- Death or illness of a family member
- Emergency travel
Loan Amounts and Frequency
Loan amounts are determined by the availability of funds, need demonstrated, and documentation provided by the student. A maximum of $500 can be provided. Qualifying students can request funding from GSEFP once per calendar year.
If approved, payments are provided via check to the address provided in the application or non-payroll direct deposited (when available). Applicants are encouraged to set up non-payroll direct deposit to avoid delays in payments.
Repayment
Emergency loans are required to be repaid within one calendar year from the receipt of the funds or before the end of the student’s last semester. If students do not repay the emergency loan within these time frames, they may receive registration or transcript holds on their accounts.
How to Apply
Students may request emergency loans by filling out an application. Requests will be reviewed by the Graduate School and relevant offices on campus. Students may be requested to meet with a staff member to discuss their request or provide additional documentation prior to a decision being made. All discussions and decisions will be confidential and decisions will generally be made within seven business days from the receipt of the request.