© 2023 UMass Amherst, All Rights Reserved
UMass Amherst’s wonderful community of alumni has stood by the university and its students—through good times and bad. Even though all of us are experiencing uncertainty and some alumni are facing their own challenges right now, many have reached out to see how they can help our current students cope with the ripple effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Anyone wishing to support students who may need financial assistance to weather these changes may do so through the Student Care and Emergency Response Fund (SCERF).
Even when financial aid covers tuition expenses, students are often left to cover the cost of other necessities. Many students work to cover living expenses, but living on a tight budget or encountering unforeseen expenses can threaten their ability to remain in school and graduate. Plus, many students are currently seeing a loss of income due to the pandemic. This situation may push students into economically precarious circumstances and many students will be forced to make difficult choices that could derail their student goals of earning a university degree.
SCERF funds will help students cover expenses associated with:
Please consider helping UMass students today.
"Having the chance to be helped and supported by programs like this has given me the enthusiasm and motivation to continue my education when everything just seemed difficult and impossible. It has provided me with great relief at hard times. I'm thankful for all the assistance I have obtained, and as a student I can say that it feels awesome to know you have a place to go when you're struggling in your financial life."
-Student Care and Emergency Response Fund recipient.
Let us know if there is a student in need! If you are a UMass Amherst student seeking more information about the Student Care & Emergency Response Fund or other university support services contact the Dean of Students Office at doso@umass.edu.