For students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, unanticipated hardships can negatively impact success and wellbeing if issues are not addressed in an effective and timely manner. The Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) has a dedicated team of staff members who support students and families navigating challenges. The “Emergency Dean” program, which has been in existence since 1970, also provides assistance for health and safety emergencies that occur after-hours and other times when university offices are closed.
Accidents, illness, natural disasters, recent job loss or other unforeseen events can also result in unexpected financial costs. Since 2009, the Emergency Dean Fund has been a lifeline for U. of I. students, providing immediate, one-time financial assistance to enrolled, degree-seeking individuals on campus who are unable to meet essential expenses. This fund is managed by the Connie Frank CARE Center and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Advocacy and Dean of Students. Financial support for this fund is made possible by a generous grant from State Farm and donations from Illinois alumni and supporters. From July 2023 to April 2024, 28 students received assistance from the Emergency Dean fund totaling $25,749.
“Receiving this support has significantly alleviated financial burdens and allowed me the flexibility to focus more intently on my academic pursuits,” said one student recipient, who received Emergency Dean funding in the spring of 2024. “It will help me work fewer hours, dedicate more time to my studies, and catch up on coursework effectively.”
The Emergency Dean Fund serves undergraduate and graduate students across all sixteen colleges, schools and academic units, catering to a highly diverse population on campus. To maintain privacy, ODOS staff meet with students one-on-one to discuss their needs and concerns. The situations that most often receive funding are those related to an immediate health or safety emergency. Students can make an appointment with the Assistant Director for Basic Needs Coordination to ask about or request funds.
Emergency Dean funding has helped students in numerous ways, such as:
- providing safety-related needs (e.g., changing locks and short-term emergency shelter);
- covering medications or other health-related costs;
- ensuring food security and other basic needs;
- replacing essential items lost due to fire, theft, or natural disaster;
- assisting with travel costs related to the death or serious illness of an immediate family member;
- combatting homelessness and food insecurity.
Emergencies can impact any student on their journey at Illinois, and all students deserve adequate care. Your gift can be a lifeline–support a student in crisis.
By contributing to the Emergency Dean Fund, you enable Illinois to make a difference in students’ security and academic persistence. Your vital support directly impacts the welfare of all Illinois students.
