CSB+SJU: Apply to the Student Emergency Fund
This is the opinion of the SJU Senate Executive Board.
CSB+SJU students,
In 2021, St. Ben’s Senate (SBS) President Sadè Larson ‘21 and St. John’s Senate (SJS) President Joseph Schwamm ‘21 created the Student Emergency Fund (SEF) after seeing the challenges faced by CSB+SJU students following the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and devastation of Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas. Two weeks ago, the SJS successfully passed a motion to increase this fund by $15,000, increasing the net total for Johnnie applicants to over $30,000. The joint fund is open to both CSB and SJU students.
As an Executive Board, our message to CSB+SJU students is two-fold: Review the SEF form and—if eligible—please apply. Available on the SJS Instagram and website, students can apply to the SEF through a short, straightforward form. Managed by the Student Development Office, the SEF is available to students who “find themselves facing financial hardships related to medical emergencies, academic-related emergencies and other personal, family-related emergencies.” The Student Development Offices also state, “this funding is not intended to replace or supplement existing financial aid, ongoing monthly living expenses or routine travel home for breaks/holidays.” This said, in the event of doubt, the SJS Executive Board encourages students to utilize the form to connect with the Student Development Offices.
If you have a medical hardship and received care from CentraCare or seek assistance that cannot be addressed through financial aid, the Student Development Offices will connect with applicants and provide the relevant information. CSB students with questions can call (320) 363-5601. SJU students with questions can call (320) 363-2737.
CSB+SJU are built on Benedictine values which call us to serve as good stewards, seek justice and demonstrate hospitable towards others. As an Executive Board which has faced emergencies including unforeseen transportation challenges, international flight needs and the unemployment of parents, we have seen the importance of these resources firsthand. By providing financial support to students, this fund aims to demonstrate the SJS’s commitment to offering hospitality and care to those in need. Please review the fund, apply if you are eligible and do not hesitate to reach out to sjusenate@csbsju.edu or the Student Development Offices with any questions.
Thank you, and go CSB+SJU!