We Are Here For You
The Saints Strong fund was established in March 2020 to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout any year, students may have unanticipated needs arise for food, toiletries, rent/housing, medical bills, and technology support. The Saints Strong Fund is open to any currently enrolled Siena Heights students in good standing. This fund is designated to off-set a short-term financial need and is not intended to replace or supplement financial aid. Funds are awarded as a grant, and unlike a loan, do not need to be repaid. Funds may count as income and may be subject to federal and/or state taxes.
The Saints Strong Fund is an educational, learning experience for all parties. The maximum distribution per student is $300 or less with rare exception. Students who receive funding from Saints Strong shall decide for themselves whether they believe it is taxable to them unless explicitly directed by the University otherwise.
Students must submit the online application and related documentation to the Dean for Students. A committee will review the application and determine the funding amount. If approved, students will be notified of the amount and how the funds will be distributed. If you would like to apply for the Saints Strong fund, please click here to be directed to the application page.
FAQs:
What does it mean to be in good standing for consideration of the Saints Strong funding?
You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. If you have a student conduct record, all sanctions must be completed and you must not be on probation, deferred suspension, or suspension.
What is the maximum funding permitted per student?
The Saints Strong fund is limited to $300 per request per calendar year. Rare exceptions may be made for truly extenuating circumstances. Multiple requests over different calendar years will be considered not only in regard to need, but also in consideration to other student needs and the current amount in the fund. If your need immediate support, regardless of funding possibility, please reach out to the Dean for Students or Department of Public Safety (especially if you are actively in an emergency incident on campus).
What types of expenses are covered?
Assistance with rent/utilities or emergency temporary housing assistance due to an emergency situation books or essential course materials, costs related to a family death or illness, emergency transportation needs such as a gas card or car repair, medications or costs related to emergency medical care (not covered by insurance), replacement of essential personal belongings due to theft or natural disaster (e.g. fire, flood), and safety related needs (e.g. changing a lock for a gender-based violence victim working with appropriate campus resources).
What types of expenses are not eligible for consideration?
Assistance will not be considered if the Saints Strong Fund is depleted or at any time for the following: non-emergency travel, lost IDs, non-essential utilities or housing for non-emergencies, normal and anticipated academic expenses (e.g. tuition, fees, room and board), penalties or fines (e.g. parking tickets, legal fees), or non-essential personal items due to fire, flood, or natural disaster.
If my need is greater than what I am awarded (or if I am denied Saints Strong funding), what other similar resources exist?
In addition to the Saints Strong fund, please consider talking with the Dean for Students about our Student Life Emergency Loans, Career Services & Campus Ministry Professional Dress Closet, the SHU Food Pantry, and the Tsuji Student Success Fund for Professional Development.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please contact Michael Orlando, Dean for Students, by emailing morlando@sienaheights.edu or calling 517-264-7601.