The Holy Cross Student Emergency Aid Committee (SEAC) supports students who have extenuating financial requests that are not typically covered by traditional financial aid.
The Student Emergency Aid Committee (SEAC) utilizes funds that are supported by our generous alumni to aid students in unexpected emergency situations. All requests are private and only individuals involved with funding or resource decisions are provided access to details pertaining to the request for funding. Please note that available funding is limited.
The Office of Financial Aid, and the Bursar’s office, are key partners within this committee. All eligible requests are vetted through their offices for validation that the student has a demonstrated need and is able to receive this resource. It is required that all students have utilized all of the resources available, including all loans, prior to requesting assistance from this committee. Students can speak with their Financial Aid Counselor and/or the Bursar’s office prior to submitting a request.
Qualifying requests include:
- Unexpected, out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance (Insurance must be utilized prior to a request.)
- Course Materials (If a student has a refund owed to them, this must be used first. Please do a refund request and register for eRefund on the Bursar’s Office Website)
- Winter coat/boots (Please note this is a one time purchase and will have a strict funding limit.)
- Minor Technology Repairs* (Please contact Information Technology Services
at helpdesk-request@holycross.edu for information on borrowing a Chromebook.)
The committee recognizes that Food Insecurity is still a concern for many students. If you need assistance, please connect with your Financial Aid counselor. Information about SNAP benefits is also available on the Financial Aid website.
Study Abroad - If you are currently engaging in a program through the Study Abroad Office and needing emergency aid, please check to see if your need is covered through the International SOS program prior to applying for emergency assistance. The Study Abroad Office will be notified of your request.
Non-qualifying requests include, but are not limited to:
- Tuition expenses - including tuition, meal plan, study abroad (including maymester), and any fees associated with the institution.
- Travel expenses
- If you need to travel home for a family emergency, please reach out to Robin Huntley (rhuntley@holycross.edu). Assistance is not guaranteed.
- New technology purchases - including but not limited to cell phones, laptops, and tablets
- Parking tickets
- Federal or state taxes
- Family member(s) expenses
- Personal debt including student loans
- Shipping and storage expenses
Student Emergency Aid Process
Students are considered for emergency aid by filling out the Student Emergency Aid request form. The Financial Aid Office, and the Bursar’s Office receive the form and are integral in the request process. If you are studying abroad at the time of the request, the Study Abroad Office will also receive a copy of this request.
Please allow 5 business days for a response to funding requests. If a response is needed within 5 business days, please reach out to seasupport@holycross.edu directly, in addition to completing the online application.
In some cases, the emergency aid committee members may seek to connect students with additional student support services depending on the nature of the emergency. In those cases, a member of the committee will follow-up directly with the student with additional information and resources that might be helpful for the student.