When difficult events happen to students, it's hard to keep academics a priority. Because of the challenges students are facing due to the impact of COVID-19, the University of Arkansas is encouraging donations to its student emergency funds. Many students are dealing with unprecedented disruptions to their academic journeys as they transition to remote learning, see local jobs eliminated or hours cut short and find numerous programs and events canceled. They are also facing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic.

The primary emergency fund, U of A Cares, assists U of A students with unexpected needs that arise from situations outside their control. Funding for these students is a high priority, so donations are being encouraged to help them during this uncertain time.

Gifts will have an immediate impact by helping students navigate financial difficulties related to:

• Housing and food insecurity
• Reduced hours/income for hourly jobs
• Technology for remote learning
• Medical care and prescriptions
• Travel to return home
• Other unforeseen expenses

There are also three other emergency funds designed to help specific subsets of the student population.

The Veterans Resource and Information Center Emergency Fund, which is open to University of Arkansas students who have served or are currently serving in the military, provides financial assistance for student veterans who are facing hardships. Emergency funds are mostly requested for rent and mortgage, utilities, medical bills, car insurance or repairs and supplies and books.

The Graduate School and International Education Student Emergency Funds, which include the Needy Family Graduate Student Emergency Fund and the International Education Catastrophic Fund, provide a stop-gap for students who are struggling with unforeseen emergencies.

To contribute to any of these funds, visit fundrazor.uark.edu/emergencyfund.

Read more about how the U of A is Determined to Help