Funds to support students through uncertainty
A recent Star Tribune article highlighted how St. Olaf College’s Emergency Fund for Students is supporting Oles as they navigate the uncertainty of the coronavirus outbreak.
The St. Olaf Emergency Fund has been in place since the spring of 2018. Initiated by an alumna, it provides grants to students who are experiencing a financial hardship due to an unanticipated event or emergency, such as travel expenses due to a serious illness, death, or emergency in the student’s immediate family; essential dental work or eyeglasses, or unforeseen personal medical expenses; technology needs; safety needs; and books and other essential academic expenses. The program is managed by both the Dean of Students Office and the Financial Aid Office.
St. Olaf started helping students with coronavirus-related expenses back in February, Associate Director of Financial Aid Steve Lindley notes in the Star Tribune story. The Emergency Fund has provided resources to help students purchase airline tickets to return home, particularly for international students. Normally students can receive no more than $500 from the fund, but Lindley said the college has provided more funding when necessary.
“Our ultimate goal is to get students to graduate from St. Olaf College … Obviously, there are some financial limits, but we want to do whatever we can to help students successfully complete the semester,” he notes in the Star Tribune.
We want to do whatever we can to help students successfully complete the semester.Associate Director of Financial Aid Steve Lindley
The Emergency Fund for Students is one resource helping Oles at this time. To add your support for this and other initiatives, please make a gift through the St. Olaf Fund.