The Olin Student Access, Equity and Emergency Fund (OSAEEF) provides limited emergency financial assistance to currently enrolled Olin students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an unexpected situation. In addition, the fund is accessible for students who need financial assistance while enrolled in an out-of-state elective course (e.g., CELect, Venture Advising, etc.).
The Olin Student Access, Equity and Emergency Fund is designated to offset a short-term financial need and is not intended to replace or supplement financial aid. Funds are awarded as a grant, and unlike a loan, do not need to be repaid. Funds may count as income and may be subject to federal and/or state taxes.
The available funds are not intended to be used for routine expenses or as a supplement to a student’s education funding sources. Instead, these funds are for those students who experience an event or unforeseen circumstances that negatively and severely impact their academic success and overall student experience.
An eligibility review will determine if granting an OSAEEF request will have a negative impact on current and future aid if received. Priority will be given to students whose persistence at Olin (and Washington University) may be at risk because of unexpected expenses, especially to students who have not applied for OSAEEF resources within the past year. These funds can be used for groceries/food, housing/rent, medical, transportation, technology, or other expenses that may be experienced during a financial crisis.
The typical range of funds is $50 to $500 , per student, and depends on the types of expenses, circumstances, and/or supporting documentation provided. The maximum lifetime benefit per student, per program, is $500.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicant must be a degree-seeking student enrolled at Olin Business School with a minimum course load of 12 credits for undergraduate students and 4 credits for graduate and professional students.
- Applicant must be in good academic standing and maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Applicant must demonstrate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other critical incident
- Applicant must be able to provide documentation of the emergency expense.
- Determination from the applicant that all other resources, including resources through the Office of Financial Aid, have been considered and are insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner.
- Applicants must complete the application form and submit supporting documents.
- Priority will be given to students who have not applied for OSAEEF resources within the past year.
- If you are dealing with a crisis that needs an immediate response, contact WashU Police Department (324) 935-5555.
Eligible Expenses:
- Cost of student travel due to death or severe illness of immediate family members (e.g., dependent, spouse)
- Course materials
- Food/meals
- Graduation/Commencement attire
- Housing (i.e., rent, utilities, repairs etc.) in the case of eviction or shut off
- Unexpected medical or mental health care, including medication or costs relating to emergency medical care (not covered by insurance)
- Replacement of personal belongings due to theft, fire, or natural disaster (eyeglasses, clothing, etc.)
- Safety-related needs (i.e., changing a lock)
- Technology disruption (hardware, software, internet)
- Transportation disruption
- Enrollment in electives requiring out-of-state travel
Examples of expenses NOT covered:
- Alcohol or drug-related offenses, tickets, legal fees, or jail bonds
- Computer replacement due to negligence
- Costs for extra-curricular activity, entertainment, recreation or non-emergency travel
- Credit collections or expenditures resulting from poor financial management
- Lost IDs or meal cards
- Medical expenses for friends
- Non-essential utilities (i.e., cable, cell phone bill, etc.)
- Household or furniture costs not related to damage or theft
- Normal or anticipated academic expenses, such as tuition, fees, and/or study abroad costs
- Normal or anticipated expenses (e.g., automobile payments or insurance premiums, routine car maintenance, household or furniture costs, or credit card payments)
- Parking tickets or other fines
- Replacement of non-essential personal items due to fire, flood, theft or natural disaster
Application Review:
Each request is reviewed individually and on a first-come, first-served basis, once the application is complete and submitted. A rubric will be utilized in the review process and the following factors will be considered:
- The specific and immediate impacts the hardship may be having on the student’s wellbeing and academic progress
- The nature and urgency of the hardship and the totality of the student’s hardships
- Other resources or support the student may have available to them
- Other information provided by third parties at the student’s request, such as advocates or advisors, that may help to illuminate and clarify the student’s situation
Applications to the fund are reviewed, and every effort will be made to process these requests in a timely manner. Not every request will be met with financial support, and applicants may be asked to provide feedback on the impact of the fund.
Notification of whether applicants received full, partial, or no funding will be sent out by the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Still have questions?
Refer to the FAQ Page to get your questions answered.
To Apply:
To continue and apply for the Olin Student Access, Equity and Emergency Fund, click here.
Please direct questions to emergencyfund@olin.wustl.edu and your inquiry will be addressed accordingly.
In accordance with Washington University in St. Louis policy, Olin School of Business does not discriminate in access to, or treatment of opportunities in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability or genetic information.