Financial Support Resources

Financial support funding comes in the form of institutional funds, federal aid, grants provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the generosity of alumni, donors and friends of Worcester State University.

Students interested in applying for financial support resources should fill out the application below, and upload any relevant documentation that supports your request. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at studentaffairs@worcester.edu.

Upon receipt of your application, a team will review your situation and determine eligibility based on the circumstances. Please be aware that federal guidelines may be a factor in how resources may be awarded. Decisions regarding monetary amount and type of assistance are made on a case-by-case basis.

The funds cannot reimburse for expenses that have already been paid. Full coverage of the expense is not guaranteed.

Approved expenses are not considered loans and generally do not require repayment.

If Approved

• For external issues (replacement of belongings, vehicle repairs, etc.), a check will be issued to you within 1-2 weeks.
• For textbooks and/or course materials, dependent on the type of request the materials will either be purchased for you through the University bookstore or a check will be issued to you within 1-2 weeks.
• If your request for funds was to assist in paying or to reduce the balance on your account, funds will be applied directly to your student account.

If Denied

• You will receive a letter through your WSU email account detailing the reason for the denial.

Worcester State University Emergency Fund

This fund has been created through the generous donations of alumni, community members, staff, faculty and students to support personal financial emergencies and is managed by University Advancement (WSU Foundation) in cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs.

The Student Emergency Fund assists Worcester State students experiencing financial insecurity by providing small awards for temporary emergency situations including those as a result of natural disasters, homelessness, illness, etc. The goal of the fund is to remove barriers students may face on their path to successful degree completion.

This fund is not intended to cover the cost of tuition or ongoing living expenses. A request will also include a review of the student’s financial aid eligibility.

Students who are experiencing continued financial insecurity (persistent struggle to meet basic needs and financial obligations) and cannot afford their semester bill, you may contact the Office of Student Affairs or the Office of Financial Aid to discuss possible options. WSU encourages all of our students to empower themselves to make informed decisions about their futures by engaging with staff who will present options available to them.

Eligibility

• Have a financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident or other unplanned event.
• Be currently enrolled in a degree seeking program at Worcester State University.
• Be a student in good standing, meeting the minimum GPA standards.
• Be able to provide supporting documents.
• Establish that other possible resources have been considered and are either unavailable or insufficient.

Possible Expenses Covered by the Student Emergency Fund

• Loss of property due to natural disaster
• Safety related needs; ie: changing the lock on a home or moving costs
• Travel costs related to a death or illness in the immediate family.
• Automobile repairs
• Access to remote learning technology (laptops, internet, etc.)

Expenses Not Covered by the Student Emergency Fund

• Tuition, fees, room/board, health/dental insurance, study abroad costs, or other standard expenses associated with attending WSU.
• Anticipated expenses such as rent, utilities, cellphone plans, vehicle insurance and other ongoing living expenses.
• Costs of optional certifications, conferences, non-emergency travel, and other non-essential personal expenses
• Parking tickets
• Childcare

Textbook Grant

WSU recognizes the financial stresses our students face while pursuing their education. Limited textbook grant funds are available to assist students when these needs arise. Through the University’s textbook grant program, eligible students can receive assistance toward the cost of course materials from the University Bookstore*.

This fund has been created through the generous donations of alumni, community members, staff, faculty and students and is managed by University Advancement (WSU Foundation) in cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs.

*A maximum of two (2) awards can be made to any one student during all combined enrollments at WSU.

Possible Expenses Covered by the Book Fund

• Textbooks and Access Codes listed as required in a student’s syllabi
• Class and/or project supplies
• Lab supplies
• Required Coursework Equipment; ie: graphing calculators

Thea’s Food Pantry

Thea’s Pantry provides food and other essentials to students, staff, and faculty who are food insecure or at risk of food insecurity.

You do not need to complete a financial support application to access Thea’s Pantry. The pantry is located on the first floor of the Student Center, room 113. Thea’s Pantry is open Monday – Friday. During school breaks, the pantry is by appointment only.

What is Offered (inventory changes frequently):

• Many shelf-stable and fresh foods are available. The pantry also offers gluten-free products.
• A variety of hygiene products.

School Supplies

• Other products and supplies are frequently donated to the pantry
• Grocery store gift cards (when available)
• Meal vouchers for Sheehan Dining Hall

Loaner Laptops

To support students’ ongoing academic success, the University has made a limited number of laptops available for use.

Laptop loans may be requested for a duration of up to 14 days. One extension for up to 7 additional days may be requested, but is subject to review and will be granted based on supply availability.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be an actively enrolled WSU student to be eligible for the program.
• You must not have a significant outstanding balance with the University.

Procedure

• A request form must be submitted and confirmed by IT Laptop Repair Depot staff before a laptop can be issued.
• Borrowers must present their WSU ID when checking out a laptop.
• Laptops may only be picked up and returned by the borrower. Do not leave the laptop with anyone other than IT Laptop Repair Depot staff.
• Pick-up and drop-off of laptops is available only at the IT Laptop Repair Depot. Please see the IT Laptop Repair Depot Hours & Location page for more information.

If you are interested in borrowing a computer, please fill out the application below.

If Approved

Laptops may be checked out and returned by the borrower at the Information Technology Laptop Repair Depot located in the Learning Resource Center, Suite LRC-310.

When checking out a laptop, please plan for your visit to take around 15 minutes while IT Laptop Repair Depot staff finalize your loan, assess the laptop for any damage or software issues, and assist you with your first login over the network.

Please ensure your files are backed up prior to returning the laptop. When checking it back in, please allow for 10 minutes so IT Help Center staff can inspect the laptop and assist you with securely erasing all content and settings. Any issues found with the equipment will be communicated to the borrower through the ticket created from their initial loan request.