Multicultural Student Support Fund

The Multicultural Student Support Fund is administered by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) and supports the financial needs of Stetson's multicultural students. The Multicultural Student Support Fund is designed to provide temporary, short-term financial assistance to students in degree programs who are managing demanding academic requirements while handling unanticipated or emergency financial situations.*++ Unlike a loan, students are not expected to repay awards from the Multicultural Student Support Fund. The fund will be managed by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Alumnus, Jimmie Johnson. All requests must be submitted in writing (by the student or the involved faculty/staff member) via Engage and approved by the review committee before any funds are released.

Further, it is expected that the student needing financial assistance will have first exhausted their immediate support network (i.e., family, friends). This will ensure the availability of funds for a greater number of students who lack the financial resources to cover unexpected expenses.

Funding for the Multicultural Student Support Fund will not exceed $1000 per student, per year, for a total of $2000 per student annually.  Given the number of requests, it is rare that a student would receive the maximum amount. It is important to know that not every request will be met with financial support from the fund.

"This gift is given in honor of those students of varying ethnic backgrounds, who often took the more pioneer and courageous path to be educated and socialized in an often uncomfortable and sometimes even hostile environment, to experience their college years at a quality university as a minority, to allow all of us to experience and learn that our cultural differences help build the tapestry of a more enriched society." - Susan Morris '70

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a currently enrolled student in a degree program.
  • Show financial hardship due to emergency, illness, or other unforeseen events.
  • Complete the application and provide supporting documentation.
  • Meet with the director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to discuss the situation.

Possible Reasons to Apply

  • Support for temporary housing, and/or other essential needs such as food, due to displacement by fire, safety concerns, or other unforeseen event.
  • Traveling and/or transportation expenses.
  • Unforeseen or unusually high medical expenses.
  • Financial support in academic situations such as books, lab fees and school supplies. (computers, software, notebooks, calendars, hardware, etc.)
  • Social activities or needs. (social outings, personal care items [hygiene, laundry detergent, etc.]

The list above is not exhaustive for all situations for which a student may seek financial assistance. However, the following situations would not be eligible:

  • Expected tuition, books, meals, and campus residential fees.
  • Non-essential expenses. (e.g., library fines, gym membership)

How to Apply

Please complete the Multicultural Student Support Fund form on Engage (you must be signed in to access the form). Requests for funding from the support fund are reviewed by the director of Diversity and Inclusion and the review committee. Please note: The emergency fund is not a replacement for financial aid and is intended to cover incidental and unexpected expenses of modest amounts.

Application and Approval Process

As part of the application process, students must upload supporting documentation. Application and supporting documentation must be submitted on or before the 7th of the month. ODI may request additional documentation, as needed and appropriate.

Each request is reviewed individually. A rubric will be utilized in the review process and the following factors will be considered:

  • The specific and immediate impacts the emergency may be having on the student’s well-being and academic progress.
  • The nature and urgency of the emergency 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, may help to illuminate and clarify the student’s situation.

A decision to award will be made on the 15th of the month. *+ If awarded, funds will be distributed at the end of the month. Every effort will be made to process these requests in a timely manner. Not every request will be met with financial support. Applicants may be asked to provide feedback on the impact of the fund. Please note that awards through this fund may be considered income and subject to federal tax regulations.

Food and/or Housing Insecurity

Students who feel they may be experiencing food and/or housing insecurity are encouraged to visit the Hatters Helping Hatters Food Pantry. This is a confidential, free and unlimited emergency service. It is located in the Student Counseling Services office at Griffith Hall and can be accessed at any time during office hours. The Hatters Helping Hatters Food Pantry keeps non-perishable food items stocked through the generosity and donations of Stetson's Faculty, Staff and students. In addition to food, the pantry also provides toiletries. We try to meet dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) and suggest that if there is an unmet food need, please let us know.

If further assistance is necessary, we encourage students to apply to this fund. Please be aware that funds are limited, but every effort will be made to work with students on identifying resources to support their needs. For more information on how food insecurity is defined, visit the USDA website.

 

++ Please note that awards through this fund may be considered income and subject to federal tax regulations.

* This date is subject to change should the 15th of the month be on the weekend or coincide with university closures or holidays.

^ There is limited funding and ability to provide assistance for international students.