Student Emergency Fund

SWCC student emergency funding is dedicated to helping students with temporary, short-term financial assistance for unforeseen emergencies and catastrophic events.

Geographic Scope: Southwest Virginia Community College students

Focus Areas: Financial hardship due to unforeseen emergencies and catastrophic events

Qualifying Events

• Natural disasters such as fire, tornado, etc.
• Uncovered costs related to unexpected/unforeseen medical expenses
• Vehicle breakdown/accident
• Loss of employment due to unexpected lay-off
• Homelessness
• Death of guardian, spouse, or child

Non-Qualifying Events

• Loss of employment due to voluntary resignation, temporary employment, or known/scheduled time off
• Routinely occurring bills such as electric, rent, car payment, etc. (unless in default due to a qualifying unforeseen event)
• Moving expenses (unless due to an emergency situation such as domestic abuse, homelessness, etc.)
• Child support
• Routine medical expenses such as annual health check-ups, dental cleanings, etc.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be currently enrolled in the semester for which assistance is requested
• Be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours)
• Have at least a 2.0 GPA and be in good standing
• Have already completed at least 6 credit hours at SWCC
• Have a SWCC Faculty/Staff recommendation
• Be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial hardship

Award Details

• Maximum of $250 per student, per semester
• Not more than twice per student (students may submit an appeal for extreme emergency situations)
• Funds are not loans and do not require repayment
• Provided as check as direct payment to service provider/retailer, or to student under special circumstances

Special Provisions for Non-Credit Students

Non-credit FastForward program students should apply with Adrianna.Culbertson@sw.edu. All other non-credit, non-FastForward students must:

• Be enrolled in a workforce course or program that is not for personal enrichment
• Have successfully completed at least 1 non-credit course at SWCC or 6 credit hours at SWCC
• Be in good standing

TDD: 276-964-7235

Application Procedure

1. Complete Application: Student must complete the Student-Emergency-Fund-Assistance-Application and fill out the Student Information and Student Financial Information sections.
2. Obtain Recommendations: The student is responsible for seeking recommendations from an SWCC Faculty member, SWCC Student Success Advisor, or other SWCC representative.
3. Gather Documentation: Students must submit documentation of hardship along with the application (e.g., termination notice, vehicle repair estimate, medical bill, etc.).
4. Submit Application: Turn in completed application and all documentation to:
   • Student Success office, Buchanan Hall, Room 150
   • OR scan and email to shelly.musick@sw.edu
5. Review Process: The assistance application will be submitted for review. Every effort will be made to respond within 5 business days from the date it is received.
6. Notification: Students will be notified via their SWCC student email of the decision, with instructions on how to retrieve funds if approved.
7. Fund Retrieval: Students must make arrangements to pick up funds within 2 business days of approval notification.