Dean of Student Life

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General Student Emergency Fund

The General Student Emergency Fund (GSEF) provides short-term financial support to Portland State University students experiencing sudden, unexpected financial crises. Managed by the Basic Needs Hub, the fund helps cover urgent personal expenses during an emergency so you can stay enrolled and continue your academic progress at PSU.

To see other campus emergency funds and their eligibility requirements, visit the Emergency Funds webpage.

General Student Emergency Fund Overview

The General Student Emergency Fund (GSEF) provides one-time assistance to Portland State University students facing sudden, unforeseen financial crises. Its goal is to resolve immediate emergencies so you can stay enrolled and continue your education.

GSEF cannot be awarded for:

  • Academic expenses (e.g., tuition, university fees, required textbooks, campus dorm balances, certification exams)
  • General or ongoing financial hardship (e.g., accumulated credit card debt, routine monthly expenses, back rent)

Please review the examples and eligibility requirements below to see if your situation qualifies.

Examples of Past GSEF Support

GSEF funds are intended for sudden, unexpected situations such as:

  • Medical or Dental Crises: Urgent medical or health expenses not covered by insurance.
  • Safety & Housing Displacement: Short-term emergency shelter, lock changes, or urgent safety-related needs.
  • Essential Belongings: Replacement of necessary personal items lost due to fire, flood, theft, or natural disaster.
  • Emergency Transportation: Unforeseen travel or critical vehicle repairs required to attend class.
  • Emergency Utility or Basic Needs Crises: Urgent disruptions caused by an unexpected crisis.
  • Other Unforeseen Emergencies: Sudden events directly impacting your ability to participate in your PSU academic program.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for General Student Emergency Funding, you must meet the following:

  • Enrollment: Enrolled and actively attending classes at PSU at least half-time.
  • Academic History: Completed at least one term at PSU and currently in good academic standing.
  • Crisis Basis: Experiencing an acute, unexpected financial emergency (rather than an ongoing budget deficit).
  • Exhausted Options: Have explored or utilized other available financial aid and campus/community resources (e.g., student loans, departmental support, Medicaid).
  • Documentation: Able to provide documentation verifying the hardship if requested (e.g., billing statements, repair estimates, receipts).
  • Frequency: Have not previously received GSEF support during the current academic year.

Connect with the Basic Needs Hub

You don't have to navigate financial difficulties alone. Basic Needs Hub staff maintain a broad network of emergency aid, campus support programs, and community resources across the Portland metro area.

To discuss emergency funding options or get connected to basic needs support, email basicneedshub@pdx.edu to request a consultation. Please include your availability in your message so our team can schedule your meeting promptly.