In 2019, when the world was unknowingly on the threshold of a life-changing pandemic, University of Baltimore staff were developing an idea that would prove paramount for students facing adversity.
When COVID-19 disrupted the spring 2020 semester, the staff from the offices of the Bursar, Financial Aid and Student Support sped up the launch of the Student Emergency Assistance Fund.
Six years later, more than $500,000 in awards have supported nearly 1,000 UBalt students. The majority of recipients, 75 percent, went on to graduate from UBalt and 14 percent are continuing their program.
“The idea initially was to prevent total derailment, both personally and academically, for our students,” said Tony DuLaney, clinical case manager for the Office of Student Support. “Often times, all it takes is one bad day for someone to begin to lose everything they’ve worked to achieve.”
Sudden job loss, changes in childcare or housing, rising costs of medication, food and utilities are just some of the reasons students’ academic pursuits can be shattered.
The fund allowed students to apply for assistance that could bridge them over their unforeseen obstacles. Most often, students receive $500 awards, though the amount may vary depending on need and available funds.
Students fill out an application and provide documentation signaling their need. They must be currently enrolled and registered for at least one graduate or undergraduate course at the time of their application.
As of spring 2026, 73 percent of applications were approved for at least some funds.
For applicants, the response isn’t solely a check. Staff from the Office of Student Support will also connect with the applicant to provide referrals and wraparound services. The goal is to offer more than temporary assistance, though students can apply once per academic year.
They never have to pay back the funds they receive.
“Barring scholarships, our students only other financial alternatives involve loans or emergency advances of existing financial aid that would need to be paid back. This often has the potential to worsen already stressful financial situations or lead to more long-term barriers to academic and professional success,” DuLaney said.
The bulk of initial funds came from individual donors to the University. The Division of Student Support and Success Services has supplemented funding, when possible, to meet the rising needs.
“UBalt is the University of Baltimore for Baltimore, and as such, our students’ success is as much Baltimore’s success. To that end, this fund is invaluable to our student population as a necessary lifeline for unexpected moments,” DuLaney said.