If you’re a current UCA student facing an unexpected financial emergency, the Student Emergency Fund (SEF) may be able to help you stay in school and on track to graduate.
What is the SEF?
The SEF provides one-time, short-term financial support to UCA students who face unexpected expenses that could disrupt their education. For example, we would not pay for your utility bill every month but could pay for the current month if you are in immediate need. Each situation is unique, and we encourage you to call or email to find out how we can help.
Important Notice
The SEF application will remain open year-round. However, applications submitted during August will not be reviewed until September for the Fall semester, and applications submitted in January will not be reviewed until February for the Spring semester.
Please note: The SEF does not cover tuition unless:
- You are ineligible for APSEC tuition assistance, or
- It is after October 1 for the Fall semester, or after March 1 for the Spring semester.
If you are at risk of eviction or utility disconnection during these review delay periods, please contact our office at 501-450-3133 or email dash@uca.edu for immediate assistance.
Examples of Eligible Expenses
- Child Care
- Food/Meals
- Gasoline
- Housing/Rent
- Medical or Dental Expenses
- Transportation issues (e.g., car repairs)
- Public Transportation/Bus Pass
- Utilities
Examples of Ineligible Expenses
- Fines for UCA parking violations
- Expenses associated with studying abroad
- Fees for Fraternity/Sorority
- Expenditures on entertainment, non-urgent travel, leisure, or other non-essential items
- Non-critical utilities (such as cable, streaming services), household, or furniture expenses not attributable to damage or theft
- Ongoing bills (multiple months of rent, car payments)
- Non-emergency travel
- Legal fees
Who Can Apply?
- Currently enrolled at UCA (part- or full-time)
- Have not previously received SEF or DASH
- Enrolled during the semester of application
- Can explain the emergency and provide documentation
How to Apply
- Fill out the SEF Application (see links below) and submit your documentation.
- Complete the Budget Form which you will be directed to after submitting your application.
- Meet with the Assistant Director, if required.
- If you cannot make it to an appointment you have already scheduled, be sure to cancel it or let the Assistant Director know. All no-shows will be required to complete a 1-page essay in order to be considered for a Student Emergency Fund grant in the future.
All decisions by the committee are final and cannot be appealed.
APPLICATION
All applications must be received by the Dean of Students Office on or before the end of the current semester. A complete application includes the budget form, which will be provided after the initial application is submitted. Each application period begins the day after the previous semester’s commencement and ends on the day of the current semester’s commencement. Commencement dates can be found on the UCA Academic Calendar from the Office of the Registrar.
- Fall Semester
- Application period: Day after Summer Graduate Commencement to day of Undergraduate Fall Commencement.
- Spring Semester
- Application Period: Day after Fall Commencement to day of Undergraduate Spring Commencement.
- Summer Semester
- Application period: Day after Spring Commencement to day of Graduate Summer Commencement.
