Light the Way Emergency Fund
Light the Way Emergency Fund Application
Contribute:
To contribute to the Light the Way Emergency Fund contact the NSU Foundation at 918-458-2143 (local) or 1-800-722-9614 ext. 4200 (toll free).
The Light the Way Emergency Fund is not a loan, however, students who receive support are strongly encouraged to donate back to the NSU Foundation Light the Way Emergency Fund in the future so other students also benefit in times of need.
Please Note: Emergency funds may impact current or future financial aid awards. Students should be sure to understand these implications prior to applying for Light the Way Emergency Funds.
Award Process
The Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and/or designee(s) will be charged with the award review process. Applications will be reviewed by a committee composed of members representing Student Affairs, the Bursar's Office, Financial Aid, and the NSU Foundation. Awards will be determined based on the established criteria outlined in the application. Student Financial Services will verify the student has met with a representative to ensure all financial resources have been exhausted. Award amount will be determined based on the request, proof of need, enrollment status, and available funds. Most awards will not exceed $500, unless extenuating circumstances warrant a higher amount.
LIGHT THE WAY CRITERIA
The Light the Way Emergency Fund may be used to assist students with unexpected emergency expenses such as:
- Replacement of necessary items following fire, theft, or natural disaster
- Travel costs related to a death or illness of immediate family member
- Unanticipated and/or extraordinary child expenses, including, but not limited to, child-care, formula, and diapers
- Medical Bill or Medications
- Sudden emergency move or change in living conditions or to prevent homelessness
- Safety needs (i.e. lock changes)
- Car repairs and operation in excess of typical wear and tear usage issues.
Expenses NOT covered by the Light the Way Emergency Fund:
- Tuition, fees, books
- Normal vehicle maintenance costs
- Basic housing and living expenses such as rent, utilities, or deposit
- Food expenses
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants must be in good standing with the university and be enrolled in at least 6 hours at the time of application.
A student may only receive funds once during their academic career at Northeastern State University. Other resources must be unavailable or have been exhausted or insufficient in order to qualify for Light the Way Emergency Fund. A student must be able to provide documentation to support the request for funds such as bills, medical documents, receipts, estimates for repairs, photographs, letters of support, newspaper articles, court documents, police reports, etc.
Applicants may complete the Light the Way Emergency Fund application and turn it in along with supporting documentation. Once an application is received, the Committee will review applications, reach a decision regarding whether or not a student qualifies for the award, and will then contact the student regarding their decision. Light the Way Emergency Funds are limited, and awards are subject to availability.
REVIEW AND AWARD PROCESS
Students may apply for Light the Way Emergency Fund at any time, however, a student may only be awarded Light the Way Emergency Funds once during their time as a student at Northeastern State University.
Award amounts will typically not exceed $500. Should a student require a greater amount, a team composed of trained staff familiar with financial aid and other resources available at Northeastern State University will evaluate the circumstances, determine if the student is eligible to receive the funds and provide additional support.
If approved, a student will be notified of that approval. Funds will then be distributed through direct deposit or mailed check. In most cases, funds will be distributed within 2 business days of funding approval. Notification of disbursement will be provided to the student via email.
Eligibility will be in part determined by a student's current Financial Aid status. Only when Financial Aid options are exhausted will a student be considered for Light the Way funding. The Emergency Fund Application reviewers will determine the appropriate funding amount should a student meet criteria for the award.
Awards are subject to the availability of funds. Decisions regarding funding will be made on a case-by-case basis and are considered final.