Student Success Funds
The purpose of Student Success Funds (SSF) is to cover any costs that prohibit Guardian Scholars from successfully enrolling and/or attending UC Merced. These costs would include all costs related to a UC Merced scholars’ total cost of attendance:
· Books & supplies
· Transportation
· Personal Expenses
· Health Insurance
Student Success Funds can also be utilized to cover those costs that are not covered by scholar’s total cost of attendance, including, but not limited to:
· Mental health services
· Prescriptions
· Utilities
· Car repairs (if car is main source of transportation to campus)
· Technology needs (hardware, software, internet access)
· Professional development experiences (conference registration, workshop/seminar trainings)
· Graduate school preparation (application fees, grad school tours, etc).
· Any financial challenge or issue that can inhibit a UC Merced scholar from successfully enrolling and/or attending UC Merced
· SSF’s can be utilized to zero out student account balances, if they remain in good standing with the program
Eligibility
· Applicants must be enrolled in the Guardian Scholars Program
· Note: Financial Aid packages will be considered for eligibility
How to apply?
· Applicants must submit the following application and complete all questions in full and submit supporting documentation.
Fund Disbursement
Please note that Student Success Fund applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis. To ensure that you receive the funds by a specific deadline, it is important to submit your application well in advance.
Approved Student Success Funds will be available to the student within 3-4 weeks. It is highly recommended that students enroll in the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) available through Student Business Services (SBS). Your student success funds will be transferred via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to your designated bank account.
NOTE: Emergency funds may be credited through Student Business Services (SBS) and funds are deposited into student bank accounts on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If there is any outstanding balance (i.e., library, fines, housing, etc.) on your student account, the emergency funds may be used to pay your outstanding balance. Exceptions are made for crisis funds to be used for payment of fees.
If you have any questions concerning emergency funds, please visit Commuter Lounge/TRV 151 or email lsanchezsandoval2@ucmerced.edu
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Basic Needs Center- Location: Terrace Center (TC) 106
Scholars in need of groceries or food sustainability are strongly encouraged to first contact the Basic Needs Center for assistance and access to the UC Merced Bobcat Pantry and the Merced County USDA Food Distribution (third Friday of every month).
*Closed during campus holidays, spring break, and winter curtailment. Please email Basicneeds@ucmerced.edu for assistance during these periods.*
Financial Wellness Center
Be advised that on the recommendation of the Associate Director for Belonging and Resilience, Edith Ramirez, some students requesting Student Success Funds may be referred to the Financial Wellness Center for a consultation as part of the application process for Student Success Funds. For many students, college is the first time they are in control of the majority of their finances. While focusing on your academic success and goal of attaining your degree, you may now be responsible for paying your own bills and stretching your financial aid funds to last the entire semester. Find out more about what steps you can take to help improve your financial wellness by visiting the Financial Wellness Center page.
