Student Emergency Fund Impact

Many of our students were impacted greatly from the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for EMU's Student Emergency Fund skyrocketed in March, and this fundingallowed students tocontinue their studies. Below are some of the individuals impacted by the Student Emergency Fund.

“I learned about the Student Emergency Fund through President James Smith's weekly COVID-19 communication emails. I remember in just about every message he mentioned the program and urged students to apply for the funds if needed.

This financial assistance meant everything to me. It meant that I could complete my summer class with the proper tools and technology needed. With the funds I received I was able to purchase a laptop to complete my Biochemistry class, which became online unexpectedly. Prior to the Student Emergency Fund, I had relied heavily on the computers at Halle Library, my community library, and family members. The libraries were closed per Governor Whitmer’s orders and at that time, and even now, it just wasn't safe to be going in and out of people's homes. I'm grateful because if I wasn't able to purchase a laptop and complete my course over the summer, I would have had to add it to my Fall 2020 schedule. This would have placed me at 16 credit hours in order to graduate. Which would have been more loan money and more stress! Now, I love EMU but I am ready to graduate!

To all donors, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You have no idea how your generosity shapes the lives of others. I am so proud to be an EMU Eagle because I go to an institution where student success matters and everyone, from leadership to faculty to generous donors, want to see EMU Eagles succeed. It is because of your donation I crossed the bridge to become a part of the graduating class of 2020. It's been a long time coming and I feel I can finally start the next chapter of my life; medical school hopefully!” - Taryn

“In the middle of March 2020, when COVID-19 had started, it was a tough time for all people, especially for the students. The same thing has happened to me. I have been a graduate student at Eastern Michigan University since Fall 2019. I had a plan to visit my home country in April 2020 but due to COVID-19, the flight had been canceled and I did not get a refund as I booked the ticket from a 3rd party. At that moment, I was very depressed thinking about the expenses for the next couple of months because I did not have any job then. Then I contacted the Financial Aid department and after reviewing all my documents and my incident I was provided funding.

This fund really helped me a lot. It gave me relief from my tension about the expenses, and also gave me a good foundation during this hard time. I am grateful to all the people who are related to the Student Emergency Fund. It really helps needy students a lot.” - Dipal

“At the start of the Winter 2020 semester I was working two jobs. The first was a part time position on campus. I was a research assistant to a professor in the School of Health and Human Services and my job was to learn how to operate high-level machinery which is used to assess gait. My second position was as a basketball referee, I worked about 10 games a week. Between these two jobs I was able to make rent, groceries, and general month to month expenses. When covid hit both of these jobs were cancelled. Sports was one of the first activities that halted as the person to person contact was too dangerous. My on-campus job did not translate well to working from home as the hardware was set up on campus and would be cumbersome to move.

I heard of the Student Emergency Fund through emails I had received through the University, I applied right away and was pleased to see a quick turn around. Those funds paid for my utilities and rent for the first month of the pandemic. It ensured that I did not have to defer on my credit card payments and it gave me the time to look for a new job where I could work from home.

I am so thankful that Eastern Michigan University had this fund available and was not scrambling to provide aid to students. I am thankful that donors were so generous, and that plenty of students were able to receive this fund. I am thankful that I now have a job where I can work from home--so if the University shuts down again, I won't be lost as to where my next paycheck will come from.” - Abigail

“I heard about the Student Emergency Fund through the University's regular emails. The financial assistance saved me and my rental credit as I used the funds to pay for my housing for the month of May. It allowed for me to have a house to live in during the last month of the semester. This fund was very important to me not only as a student, but as a person that was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The money that I received helped me greatly and I may not have even made my bills if it wasn't for it. It was incredibly beneficial.” - Nate

“I am the second oldest of 7 children, and pursuing my Master's degree at Eastern. Money is tight in my home, and I pay for all of my own expenses. Since my degree is 60+ credits, I must attend full time to complete the program, leaving limited time to work. For the last several years, I have worked on campus. It has been a great job for me, as it has given me great exposure to elements of my field, as well as the supervisor allowed me to make my own schedule to make money between my classes.

When the pandemic began, the entire campus closed down. I thought it would be a short-time change, but it soon became obvious that the campus would not reopen soon. During this time I had received emails about the Student Emergency Fund and had begun considering if I should apply. When I decided to apply, it felt comforting to know that, in a time of total chaos, there were people willing to give their hard-earned money to help those that needed it!

To those who donated: thank you so much! Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. People like yourself are rare, and your giving heart shows the love that you have for people. I wish you nothing but the best. ‘Those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others’ - Booker T. Washington” - Amanda