Navigating a New Political Landscape: View real-time updates about the impact of and Northeastern’s response to recent political changes.
Apply

CSSH Emergency Fund

The College of Social Sciences and Humanities Emergency Fund is designed to assist CSSH undergraduate students facing unforeseen financial challenges that may impact their ability to continue their education. This fund provides one-time financial assistance to help students manage urgent, unexpected circumstances. 

Eligibility: 

  • Applicants must be undergraduate students whose home college is the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and who are currently enrolled in courses, on co-op, or participating in an approved university program (including study abroad). 
  • Funding is intended for students facing immediate, unanticipated financial hardship. 
  • Priority is given to those with demonstrated medium or high financial need. 

Examples of Eligible Expenses:

  • Personal Emergencies: 
    • Temporary unexpected financial shortfalls affecting essential needs such as food, housing, or clothing 
    • Travel costs due to some urgent family emergencies 
  • Academic & Co-curricular Needs: 
    • Required course materials 
    • Repairs to essential academic or co-op-related technology 
    • Unexpected one-time co-curricular expenses directly tied to academic or professional development 

Expenses Not Covered:

  • Recurring or daily expenses such as rent, university housing, meal plans, or daily transportation 
  • University tuition and fees 
  • Ongoing medical expenses, insurance, or prescription costs

Additional Details:

  • Funding decisions are made with consideration for available resources and impact to financial aid. 
  • Students may apply more than once, but funding is limited and not guaranteed. A separate form should be submitted for each request. 
  • The committee may explore alternative resources or cost-effective solutions when necessary. The college and fund committee’s goal is to connect students with all available resources to support their well-being and success. 
  • Funds are disbursed through direct payment, reimbursement, or direct purchase, depending on the request. 

Application Process:

All students interested in funding are required to complete an application. Applications will be sensitively evaluated by the fund’s review committee. Decisions will be communicated no more than approximately 10 business days after the application is received. 

  • 1. Complete and submit an application with detailed supporting documentation (e.g. receipts, cost estimates).
    • Please provide detailed supporting documents that will enable the fund committee to review your request. (Ex: receipt for travel expenses, screenshot of webpage with needed textbook). Please provide specific and sufficient documents, itemized as much as possible. Partial information, such as screenshots without identifiable sources or other necessary traceable information for the purchase will not be sufficient and will slow the review process.
  • 2. Receive an email confirming your submission.
  • 3. If needed, respond to the follow-up inquiries from the review committee.
  • 4. The committee evaluates request and makes a decision.
  • 5. Students receive notification via their NU email.  
  • 6. Approved funds are processed within approximately three weeks via direct deposit, check, or direct purchase.

Sample Fund Request Scenarios:

Example: I am requesting grocery assistance for the final two weeks of the semester. My Work Study funds for the semester are depleted and I am no longer able to work additional hours at my on-campus job, leaving me with a shortfall in purchasing food and household supplies for these next two weeks. 
Documentation to Attach: Work Study hours notification  

Example: My laptop needs an unexpected repair, and I do not have personal or family funds available to cover the cost at this time. Without the repair, the laptop is not in sufficient working order to use in classes or for homework. 
Documentation to Attach: Quote from computer repair service (e.g. the Apple Store, Best Buy, etc.) 

Please note that these are just examples, provided to illustrate the information about circumstances, expense, and accompanying documentation that the Review Committee needs in order to consider requests. The Committee may request follow-up information or documentation as needed.