FAQs

Olin Student Access, Equity and Emergency Fund

What is the Olin Student Emergency Fund?

The Olin Student Access, Equity and Emergency Fund (OSAEEF) is a resource for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to offset students experience of financial challenges due to the impact of an immediate crisis and unanticipated situations, as well as fund academic opportunities for which the financial requirements may be prohibitive. Students can apply for up to $500 of one-time assistance for eligible expenses (see below for a list of eligible expenses).

What are the eligibility requirements for applicants?

  • Applicant must be a degree-seeking student enrolled at the Olin Business School with a minimum course load of 12 credits for undergraduate students and 4 credits for graduate students and professionals.
  • Applicant must be in good academic standing and maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
  • Applicant must demonstrate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or another critical incident
  • Applicant must be able to provide documentation of the emergency expense.
  • Determine 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 nt (324) 935-5555.

What is considered an ‘eligible expense’?

  • 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

What are 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

Where is the money coming from and do I have to repay the funds taken?

In fall 2021, administrators at Olin created the Office for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion to increase the school’s efforts ensuring all students, staff and faculty have greater experience of inclusion and a sense of belonging. An essential part of this process included creating available funds accessible for undergraduate, graduate, professional and doctoral students who encounter unforeseen financial emergency or catastrophic events that may negatively impact their academic success.

Our job is to address economic inequities by connecting students to this resource and helping them understand how to apply. The funds available are provided by Olin’s Office of the Dean.

The award does not require repayment. However, to replenish the fund and ensure that future students can receive the same benefit, we encourage awardees to donate to the fund when they are able.

Who reviews the applications and makes the final decision?

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 that 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 by the Office for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion 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 Olin Office for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (emergencyfund@olin.wustl.edu).

In accordance with Washington University in St. Louis policy, Olin School of Business does not discriminate in access to, or treatment of or employment 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.

How do I give my application the best chance of being granted?

If you are considering applying, first review the Olin Student Access, Equity and Emergency Fund Application and ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements and that you are applying to cover an eligible expense.

Afterwards, complete the application form to the best of your ability. Being thorough and including as many details as possible will help your application. Providing supporting documentation such as insurance statements, eviction notices, or other verifying documents that demonstrate financial need and verifies your circumstances can expedite the funding process.

Please know that the review committee does not ask for supporting materials because you are not believed to experience financial hardship. If you are applying for the fund, your circumstance is complex, and your hardship is valid. The review committee is simply fulfilling their responsibility administratively to ensure that the funds are spent responsibly.

If my application is denied, may I reapply?

Yes. If you are reapplying for the same or similar situation, make sure that you include additional documentation and/or verify that you are applying for help with an eligible expense to give your application the best chance of being granted.

How long does the process take?

Within 2-3 business days. Applicants are updated on the status of their application as often as possible. Include dated receipts with your application if you need to pay for an eligible expense before money can be disbursed to you.

Where do I submit my application?

Simply click here to be taken to the electronic application form (via Qualtrics). If you use the electronic form, you do not need to use the PDF or paper application.

What are other resources I should know about that can assist my current situation?

Olin Resources:

  • For BSBA Only:
    • Olin Educational Opportunities Fund
      • Funding for academic or co-curricular opportunities that is available to students with a financial need of $35,000 or greater, as determined by Student Financial Services (max. of $250 per year).
  • Student Development Fund
    • A funding opportunity available to students who need financial assistance to attend a conference or business case competition.
  • Glazer Fund
    • A scholarship is available to students who are participating in an Olin study abroad experience. This is application based and requires demonstrated financial need, as reviewed by Student Financial Services. (Range from $1,500 to $4,000 per semester).
  • Schweitzer Global Scholarship
    • A newly established fund to be used to support study abroad experiences for students.
  • For FT MBA Only:
    • Global Immersion Fund
      • A funding source to cover expenses during the global immersion trip that is not covered by the program.  

WashU Resources:

Where can I direct any questions not answered here?

All questions related to the application process and pending applications may be directed to the Office for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at emergencyfund@olin.wustl.edu.