ColumbiaCares

The ColumbiaCares fund was established by students from an AEMM Fall 2012 Event Management Practicum Classes. The students believed that there was a need for an emergency fund at the college to assist students in navigating/handling life’s unexpected challenges as a student.

The fund is to serve as an emergency resource that will assist students who are in crisis and, in need of a small financial assistance to help them through the crisis. The initially student-lead fundraising initiative has grown through partnership with the Student Government Association (SGA), Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), and with support from other campus partners.

ColumbiaCares raises funds that are reserved for a variety of acute and unforeseen emergency needs. The fund is administered by the Dean of Students’ office.

Columbia students should visit the Campus Groups page for more information and to submit a ColumbiaCares request.

• Application, Criteria, Process & Eligibility

  ColumbiaCares is meant for one-time, acute, and unforeseen emergency needs. Unplanned and unforeseen challenges include losing property through a flood/fire/theft. Unbudgeted emergency medical assistance, or providing temporary assistance after losing employment. ColumbiaCares can also assist students who find themselves in a shelter or food insecure situation. Requests for recurring needs or bills will not be considered.

  CRITERIA AND PROCESS:

  • A brief online application form must be submitted to the Dean of Students Office. The online applicaiton can be found HERE. (Columbia authentication required)
  • In your application, students are strongly encouraged to provide supporting documentation of need (i.e., eviction notice, bill statement, proof of cost of the emergency expense, etc.)
  • The maximum award is $500, pending availability of funds.
  • A student's financial aid award, academic record, and other history may be considered in reviewing the submitted request in order to provide a holistic picture of need and to help prioritize the most urgent requests.
  • Approval of assistance will be based on availability of funds, faculty/staff refferal, and documentation of need and will be evaluated by the Dean of Students Office.
  • Approved submissions will be sent to Columbia Central for final processing; funds will be distributed to the students' accounts directly.
  • The Dean of Students Office may consider larger award amounts or awarding multiple grants to a student at their discretion and in coordination with Columbia Central.

   

  ELIGIBILITY:

  • Student must be currently enrolled for classes.
  • Student should be in good disciplinary standing with the College.
  • Students are eligible to receive this grant once per academic semester.
• ColumbiaRack

  

  ColumbiaRack offers an ever-changing inventory of clothing and accessories for students who are looking for clothing for an upcoming interview or internship as well as clothing that more accurately represents their expression and identity. ColumbiaRack provides a variety of options in an inclusive and affirming environment. Student Life in partnership with Student Diversity and Inclusion and the Career Center administer and support the program.

  To receive:

  • Students can visit Student Diversity and Inclusion, 618 S. Michigan, 4th floor
  • Students must be currently enrolled and present a Columbia ID for access
  • ColumbiaRack serves as inventory sustains
  • Students are eligible regardless of their financial aid status
  • For questions email inclusion@colum.edu
• ColumbiaCare Packages

  

  As noted on the College and University Food Bank Alliance (CUFBA) website, “food insecurity has increasingly become an issue on college and university campuses and can pose a significant barrier to student success.” ColumbiaCare Packages is a service that provides students who are experiencing food insecurity with a care package consisting of a week’s supply of food.

  To receive:

  • Faculty and staff can submit a request through the Student Alert system in MyColumbia, located on the Student Success tab.
  • Students can submit on their own behalf or refer a fellow student by filling out the form here.
  • All requests should include the student name and your MyColumbia ID
  • Students must be currently enrolled for classes
  • Students are eligible for assistance once per semester
  • ColumbiaCare Packages are only available as inventory sustains
  • Students are eligible regardless of their financial aid status
  • All referrals are confidential
  • Referred student will be contacted as soon as possible about the status of the request
• ColumbiaCares Donate

  

  To Financially Support the ColumbiaCares Fund:

  • To financially support ColumbiaCares, click here.  

   

  To Donate to ColumbiaCare Packages:

  • Deliver requested items to Student Relations, 623 S. Wabash, Suite 303
  • Click here for preferred inventory list

   

  To Donate to ColumbiaRack:

  • Deliver new or clean and gently used requested items to Student Diversity and Inclusion, 618 S. Michigan, 4th floor
  • For more information call: 312-369-7223 or email klsommers@colum.edu