Dean of Student Life

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General Student Emergency Fund

The PSU General Emergency Funding is currently in transition and closed to applications. In the coming months, the new Basic Needs Hub Coordinator and the new Director of Basic Needs and Student Support will meet with campus stakeholders to clarify funding parameters and determine a new process and timeline. In the meantime, the Basic Needs Hub staff remains available to help you navigate food security, housing, childcare, healthcare, and other non-academic needs that support your academic success at PSU. Driven by our mission to support your success, we are committed to exploring all available avenues and connecting you with the right support for your situation. If you have questions, or input on the parameters and process for the General Student Emergency Fund, please email Chad Mullen, Director of Basic Needs and Student Support at chadm@pdx.edu.

 To schedule an appointment with a Student Resource Assistant, email basicneedshub@pdx.edu with your Name, Student ID, and availability. 

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

The General Student Emergency Fund (GSEF) offers short-term financial assistance to Portland State University students during a sudden and unexpected emergency by providing financial support. These funds keep students in school, preventing students from withdrawing due to a short-term financial crisis. 

Please note: The General Student Emergency Fund may be accessed once an academic year. Awards may not exceed $1,000 and the award does not have to be repaid. Funding will be disbursed within two weeks of an application being approved. The GSEF unfortunately cannot be used for tuition, books, dorm expenses, or fees.

If you have not used Scholarship Universe before, please sign up here to create a new account.

Examples of Emergency Situations include:

  • Accidents
  • Replacement of essential belongings due to fire, flood, theft, or natural disaster
  • Emergency or temporary housing assistance
  • Medical expenses not covered by insurance
  • Assistance with food, rent, or utilities due to an emergency situation
  • Emergency transportation costs
  • Safety-related needs (e.g. changing locks, short term emergency shelter)
  • Other emergencies impacting a student's ability to fully participate in their PSU academic career

Eligibility Criteria

  • Enrolled and attending classes at PSU at least half time
  • In good academic standing  and have completed a term at PSU
  • Experiencing an unexpected financial hardship resulting from an emergency or crisis situation
  • Able to provide documentation of their financial hardship, if needed (e.g., billing statements, receipts, repair estimates)
  • Using up all other possible financial aid and financial resources before applying (e.g., department funds, student loans, Medicaid, personal financial accounts, community resources)
  • Have not previously accessed the fund in the 2026-2027 Academic Year

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, Basic Needs Hub staff maintain a broad knowledge of emergency aid resources across the PSU campus and greater Portland metro area. For more information on these resources, please send an email to basicneedshub@pdx.edu.