The Montana State University Billings’ Student Crisis fund has been established to help currently enrolled students on the path to academic success during a personal and unexpected crisis or hardship. Whether they need to replace personal belongings after a devastating fire, cannot afford necessary prescriptions, or are unable to pay for an emergency medical procedure, the fund provides financial assistance. Awards are typically $100 - $1000. The Student Crisis Fund covers short-term, unanticipated emergencies. Emergencies are defined as urgent, unforeseen, and non-recurring. Through this fund, students discover the very essence of the Yellowjacket community.  We provide care and support beyond counseling and community.  That outreach, fueled by the spirit of the University’s student-centered approach, can take many forms – a plane ticket, a week’s supply of groceries, a winter coat, a rental car, a prescription fill, just to name a few.

Funds are made available through the generous donations of family, friends and alumni of Montana State University Billings. The funds are intended to provide financial assistance to current MSU Billings students only.

Part of our student-centered approach includes our free on-campus pantry, called the Yellowjacket Emergency Pantry (YEP!). You are welcome to come and receive Bus Passes, groceries, Hygiene products, Diapers, school supplies and more.

Student Crisis Fund Qualifications

Students who would like to be considered for limited funding available through the Student Crisis Fund must meet the following criteria:

Enrolled for the current or – if request is between academic terms - upcoming semester taking a minimum of 6-credits, making progress in the respective plan of study. Dual Enrollment students are not eligible for crisis funds.

Be in good standing with the University in all of the below, defined as:

  • Financial: No outstanding balance to the University; or must be current with payments as approved via Business Services. Therefore, crisis funds cannot be used to pay an outstanding balance.
  • Academic: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  • Financial Aid: If the student applicant is receiving Financial Aid through the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, the student must be maintaining the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards established by the Financial Aid Office.

For more information, please read our Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

Student Code of Conduct: If a student has been found responsible for violating the MSU Billings Code of Student Conduct, this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Procedure to request funds

When a student experiences a hardship or an unforeseen financial difficulty and needs assistance to cover essential needs, a faculty or staff member may complete a Student Crisis Fund Request. This may be done in conjunction with the student or on behalf of the student.  Funds may be requested for a student once per academic year.

The form asks for very basic information about the student and provides an opportunity to describe the circumstances of the need. The details of the student’s information and circumstances will be kept confidential. 

The Student Crisis Fund Advisory Committee (Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success, Financial Aid Director, Dean of Students) will consider each request and determine whether the Fund could be used for the circumstance. Decisions will be made as soon as possible depending on the urgency of the need.

The Committee will:

  • Review the application along with any supporting documentation;
  • Make a decision to accept, reject or suggest other resources to address the need;
  • If request is accepted, determine an appropriate dollar amount;
  • Provide details in writing to the applicant; and
  • May require a recipient to meet with campus resources for additional support.

Examples of how current situations/students could immediately benefit from such a fund:

  • The ability to purchase a gas card for a student to get home in case of an emergency.
  • The ability to purchase a jacket for a student during the winter season if they do not own one.
  • Lack of funds to pay the graduation application fee ($50)

  • Victim of a crime and school supplies/items were stolen (backpack, flashdrive)

  • Broken equipment utilized in an academic setting (tools, etc)

  • Student is unable to afford a prescription

 

Complete Student Crisis Fund Request