Supporting Financial Security

The Student Emergency Relief Fund was established to provide financial assistance to students who have emergency financial needs. Due to the high volume of applications our review committee receives, we are not able to grant all requests. Please keep in mind that this fund is specifically focused on assisting students facing unanticipated and unforeseen expenses that the applicant could not have planned for previously. To ensure that your application is reviewed, students must provide an itemized list of expenses in their application; please be as specific as possible to help our committee best understand your circumstances. Please note that applications submitted without an itemized expense list will not be eligible for a SERF reward.

Typical uses for this financial assistance to students includes support for: emergency travel, medical expenses, housing, food, and utilities.  Prior to the start of each semester, students can also request textbook vouchers to purchase their required course materials.

Students experiencing a financial emergency should complete the Student Emergency Relief Form requesting funding support.

Students who need financial support in order to be able to purchase their required course materials can apply for up to $300 of aid. This support can come in two forms. The first is in the form of course material vouchers that can only be used to purchase textbooks and other required materials via our preferred provider, Akademos (via IC's online bookstore). The other is by direct deposit, which can be used to purchase materials not available through Akademos. 

Please note: An itemized list of materials (with their prices) is REQUIRED in order to be considered. If your required materials are not yet posted, please reach out to your professors for this information. **Please indicate which materials cannot be purchased using the online bookstore.**

**If you don't have your entire list of course materials, but you have materials totaling $300, please submit your list! Vouchers will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis!

Due to the high volume of submissions, applications will be due no later than January 17, 2025. The SERF committee will begin reviewing applications on Monday, January 6th, with priority given to students who have not already been awarded vouchers for the Fall 2024 semester. Remaining funding will be awarded to students on a first-come first-served basis. The financial need of each individual applicant will also be factored into the review process.

**If you do not submit an itemized list with your application, your request will be denied and you will be asked to re-submit!**

Students can apply by completing the Student Emergency Relief Form requesting support.

Students, faculty or staff who may need additional support in meeting their food and nutritional needs have a variety of sources of support including the Prunty's Pantry (an on-campus food pantry)and the Swipe Out Hunger Program (students only).  Information about all of our food security support resources are available here.

The Career Closet is a great resource that provides IC students with access to professional attire that may be needed while participating in professional activities such as interviews, job fairs, and networking events.

Students who are unable to afford to purchase a computer or who need a loaner while their computer is being repaired, can request a loaner for up to a semester at a time.  Students interested in a long-term loaner should see the Associate or Assistant Dean of their school or the Dean of Students to submit a request.

Students who need a loaner for 4 hours or less can access the new Laptop Kiosk 24 hours a day. There is no cost for this service, just swipe your ID.

The Ithaca College Tax Clinic comprises two faculty supervisors and a number of student interns who have completed a senior-level federal income tax course.  Each member of the team is certified by the IRS at the advanced level to prepare individual income taxes  through it's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The main objective of the IC Tax Clinic is to provide each taxpayer with the highest quality tax services, and at the same time provide interns with valuable "real world" experience.  The service is available by appointment only to international students and US residences and/or citizens with annual household income less than a specified amount.

The on-campus IC Tax Clinic's tax season officially commences in late January and concludes in mid-April. Watch intercom in January for information regarding the IRS's annual income limitations, virtual and in-person services and available appointment times.  Contact Kari Smoker at ksmoker@ithaca.edu for more information.

Students who are struggling with the cost of textbooks have the following options to try to reduce the cost of this important resource:

• Utilize the Course Material Loan Program: sponsored by the BOLD Women's Leadership Network Class of 2024. 
  • Students can ask to borrow textbooks from the IC Library circulation desk for up to 2 hours
• See if there is a copy of the book(s) on reserve in the Library
• Speak to your faculty member about your concerns and see if they have any alternatives to suggest.
• Consider buying a previous edition of the book (check with the faculty to see if there have been any significant changes made)

Internship Scholarships Available Through the Center for Career Exploration and Development

Any full-time, current IC first-year, sophomore or junior looking to conduct a summer internship, either for credit OR not for credit, can apply.

The fund prioritizes students who have financial need, are conducting an unpaid or low-paying internship, or are conducting an internship in which personal travel and/or lodging expenses apply.

Applicants must be in good academic and conduct standing.

Funds can range between $1,000 - $5,000 and will be paid out upon confirmation of the internship.

In order to receive the full stipend, the internship must be at least 290 hours (8 weeks at 35 hours per week) or more. Students conducting shorter internships can still apply and receive a smaller stipend commensurate with the length of internship and need.

For more information and application deadlines visit this website: 

https://www.ithaca.edu/center-career-exploration-and-development/ic-career-center-internship-fund 

Roy H. Park School of Communications Internship Scholarships:

For more information on a variety of scholarships available to Park students, visit this website.