Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund
What is the Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund?
The NICC Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund (SCF) assists students by providing emergency assistance to currently enrolled students. The SCF provides limited crisis fund assistance to students who are unable to meet immediate, essential school related expenses due to an unexpected crisis that threatens their continued enrollment at NICC. Assistance to eligible students is contingent upon availability of funds. The SCF is funded by private donations, and assistance to eligible students is contingent upon availability of funds.
What is defined as a crisis?
The fund recognizes that students may experience financial hardship during their time at NICC, however, a student’s specific hardship may not meet the Student Crisis Fund eligibility criteria. Examples of a qualifying, unexpected crisis may include accidents, sudden change in employment or job dislocation, illness, death of a family member, fire damage, family violence or the need for emergency housing.
What is the criteria to be eligible for the Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund?
The fund can not be used as start-up assistance to begin enrollment at the College (example: purchasing textbooks, supplies, or a laptop) or for past-due bills or routine household expenses that are not directly related to the immediate crisis. Students must be able to demonstrate academic progress and attendance at the College prior to onset of crisis. Assistance is not available prior to the start of an academic term or the start of a course. A student may not be eligible for assistance if they are able to withdraw from their classes during the refund period, or at no cost.
Eligibility Requirements:
- have an immediate, unexpected qualifying crisis
- be currently enrolled at NICC
- have not previously received Student Crisis Fund assistance
- be attending classes, demonstrating progress towards completing a course or program of study, and adhering to the NICC Code of Conduct
- have no debt to College for prior term tuition, fees or other charges
How to apply for the Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund?
Students enrolled in the current semester may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources (payment plans, additional student aid, assistance from family/friends, other personal and community resources). The fund is designated to off-set a short-term financial need and is not intended to replace or supplement financial aid, including student loans. The fund can not assist with past due bills and/or expenses unless such are directly related to a current crisis.
Students can apply for the Student Crisis Fund by completing the Application for Student Crisis Fund assistance which can be found at Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Students will be required to upload electronic copies of bills, rental agreements or other supporting documentation when submitting an application. The electronic application process may take 30-45 minutes to complete, and must be completed in one session. It is advised that students review the application requirements and gather necessary documents prior to starting the online application.
What expenses are covered by the Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund? (this list is not exhaustive)
- Temporary housing (signed rental agreement must be provided)
- Utility bill (copy of bill must be provided)
- Replacement of essential school related belongings, due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
- School related transportation
- Food and essential personal care items
What expenses are not covered under the Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund? (this list is not exhaustive)
- Tuition or fees
- Insurance of any kind
- Medical expenses or medications
- Loan payments (mortgage, car loans, credit cards, etc.)
- Down payments or deposits
- Legal fees or fines
- Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel, or expenses that are not directly related to continued enrollment in school
What is the typical amount of Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund assistance?
No award will exceed $500.00
How can a student apply for assistance?
A student may request Student Crisis Fund assistance by submitting a complete and accurate application. The application may be accessed at Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund application. Additional information may be requested if the submitted application does not adequately describe the immediate crisis.
What is the review process for the Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund?
Applications will be reviewed by the Student Crisis Fund committee comprised of authorized college personnel. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications are confidential and not considered part of the student educational record. Applications are reviewed in a timely manner, and may take up to 5 business days.
The following criteria will be reviewed by the committee to assess if the application meets the eligibility requirements for the fund:
- Student submits complete application with a detailed description of the immediate, unexpected crisis
- Student is attending class and demonstrating progress towards completing a course or program of study
- Student is adhering to NICC Student Code of Conduct
- Student is in good financial and academic standing with the College
- Student is able to articulate a plan to cover school related expenses after crisis is resolved.
How is a student notified of application review decision?
Students will be notified by email of the application decision. The email will contain the process on how to obtain assistance granted. In the event a student does not qualify for assistance, information on how to access potential community or financial aid resources will be provided.
How is Kathryn J. Davis Student Crisis Fund assistance disbursed?
Assistance is issued in the form of gas or food cards, or payment issued directly to a vendor or service provider. Students do not receive any cash assistance. Students are required to present receipts to document appropriate use of funds. Assistance is non-transferable and may be revoked if false information is submitted.
Can a student apply for funds more than once?
A student is eligible for assistance from the SCF once during their time of enrollment at the College.
Students can also contact the campus counselor for assistance with completing the application form. Completed forms are submitted to the Counseling Office on the student’s respective campus and are reviewed by a committee. The counselor will contact the student with the results of that review.
Questions can be directed to the Campus Counselor.
Randi Timmerman
Calmar Counselor
Student Center Room 160
844.642.2338, ext. 1378
timmermanra@nicc.edu
Erik Anderson
Peosta Counselor
Main Building Room 214B
844.642.2338, ext. 2215
andersoner@nicc.edu