The Student Crisis Fund has an annual budget of $6,000, donated by the Student Association and Charter Oak Foundation.  The Student Crisis Fund is intended to help students who, due to unforeseen circumstances, find themselves short on meeting their tuition bill and need assistance to bridge the gap. Average Student Crisis Fund award generally falls within the range of $300-$350 but depending on circumstances can be more or less. 


Upon submitting a Student Crisis Fund Request, an administrator will review for eligibility.  If eligible, the administrator will submit the request to the Student Crisis Fund Officers to make a determination on award amount.  Once the decision is made, the administrator will contact the student via their Charter Oak email, inform them of the award decision, and copy the Bursar's Office of the award.  Award funds will go directly to the Bursar's Office to be applied to the student's account.  The process may take up to 14 days.  If there additional questions from the committee, the process may take longer.  Students should keep in touch with the Bursar's Office to ensure that if there are any remaining outstanding balance after the Student Crisis Fund has been applied, that the student can work out a payment plan with the Bursar's Office.

Please note that the Student Crisis Fund is not financial aid and isn't intended to cover the full cost of tuition.  Student who need financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

The Student Crisis Fund will remain available as long as there are funds in the account. Once funds are depleted, the account will not be recharged until the following academic year.

Click here to fill out the Student Crisis Fund Request form.

Food bank update
 
At this time, the Virtual Food Bank has exhausted its funding for the academic year.  The Virtual Food Bank will reopen at the start of Fall 2026.
 
We understand this may be difficult news and encourage students in need of immediate assistance to reach out to local community food pantries and support services.  To find a food bank, use the locator on Feeding America's website, entering your zip code to find nearby partners like pantries or meal programs, or dial 211 to get local referrals, especially for immediate needs, as these resources offer free groceries and meals.