Student Success Funds

Student Success Funds (SSF)

* Please Note: Student Success Funds requests are currently CLOSED and will reopen at the beginning of the Fall semester in mid-September. The Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) office will remain open during summer hours. If you need support, resources, or assistance during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.

1

Fund Purpose & Covered Expenses

The purpose of Student Success Funds (SSF) is to cover any costs that prohibit Guardian Scholars from successfully enrolling and/or attending UC Merced.

Total Cost of Attendance

Costs related to a scholar's standard total cost of attendance:

  • Books & supplies
  • Transportation
  • Personal Expenses
  • Health Insurance
Additional Expenses Covered

Costs not covered by a scholar's total cost of attendance:

  • Mental health services & prescriptions
  • Utilities & car repairs (main form of transport to campus)
  • Technology needs (hardware, software, internet)
  • Professional development & grad school prep
  • Zeroing out student account balances (in good standing)
  • Financial challenges inhibiting enrollment or attendance
2

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled in the Guardian Scholars Program (GSP).
  • Must maintain Active Status with the Guardian Scholars Program (GSP). Check the 'Expectations' page for more details.
  • Financial Aid packages will be taken into consideration when determining overall eligibility.
3

Application & Fund Disbursement

How to Apply: Applicants must complete the application in full, answer all questions, and submit required supporting documentation. Following submission, you will be required to meet with the Program Coordinator.

* Please Note: Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are available until funds are exhausted. Thus, they are not guaranteed.

Review & Approval Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a bi-weekly basis. Please submit your application well in advance of any critical deadlines.

Approved funds are available within 3-4 weeks.

Disbursement Process

Funds are transferred via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) through Student Business Services (SBS) on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Note: Emergency funds may be applied to outstanding student balances (housing, library fines, etc.) unless exceptions are granted for crisis situations.

Questions regarding emergency funds? Visit KL222 or email lsanchezsandoval2@ucmerced.edu.

4

Additional Campus Resources

Basic Needs Center

Location: Terrace Center (TC) 106

Scholars needing food sustainability are encouraged to access the UC Merced Bobcat Pantry and the Merced County USDA Food Distribution (3rd Friday monthly).

Closed during holidays, spring break, and winter curtailment. Email Basicneeds@ucmerced.edu for assistance.

Financial Wellness Center

Some SSF applicants may be referred to the Financial Wellness Center for a consultation with Associate Director Edith Ramirez or team staff.

Learn to manage bills, stretch financial aid, and build lasting financial health by visiting the Financial Wellness Center page.

 
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