In an email sent on Wednesday, Rebecca Johnson, university vice president for student affairs and dean of students, announced that the university has launched the Chargers Helping Chargers Fund “to provide assistance to those who are experiencing unexpected financial challenges.”

The funding is provided by donations from alumni and members of the university community.

According to myCharger, expenses that will be considered for funding are:

• Housing assistance (rent payments, utility expenses, etc.)
• Instructional and Technology assistance (internet access, reliable computer for class, computer-related equipment, and academic materials)
• Emergency medical expenses (medical/mental health treatment, doctor’s appointments, prescription costs, over the counter medications, etc.)
• Cost of living expenses (groceries, toiletries, etc.)
• Other financial needs arising from individual and/or special circumstances to be determined on a case-by-case basis

Expenses that the fund will not cover include tuition and other student-account-related charges, non-essential personal bills, and costs for entertainment and recreation.

The application is available on myCharger for undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in the spring 2020 semester and/or summer 2020 term. On the application students are asked to select the assistance they are most in need of, such as housing or emergency medical expenses, explain the importance behind the category selected, and upload any files or documents that support their request, such as a rental statement. Questions also include the applicant’s employment status, current living situation, and whether the student has applied to other university sponsored assistance programs, such as the USGA Food Insecurity Initiative.

Funds are awarded as grants, so they do not need to be repaid.

“We hope this fund will help provide some relief for our students and their families during this trying time,” said Johnson. “On behalf of the entire University community, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Chargers Helping Chargers Fund. As I am sure you will agree, we are fortunate to be part of such a close-knit and caring community.”

For more information, visit myCharger or contact the Dean of Students Office at [email protected]