As a faculty member, students may disclose concerns to you in advising and class meetings where a referral to campus resources are beneficial. These concerns may be expressed in many different ways, including but not limited to concerns about paying their bill for the semester, unexpected costs, financial emergencies, needs for instructional items, etc. This may also manifest in the form of a "Bursar Hold" on their account during registration times.

Types of Student Financial Concern

• Financial hold due to nonpayment of semester bill
• Food or housing insecurity
• Inability to afford course materials, i.e. books, software, supplies, etc.
• Unexpected, uncovered costs i.e. travel home for family funeral, car repair, etc.

HOW AND WHEN TO MAKE A REFERRAL

There are numerous resources on campus and knowing which to refer a student can save them time. Our goal is to ensure the student can stay enrolled.

Tuition and Fees

The Bursar: this office collects funds. They place holds on accounts when a student has not paid the bill on time. Because this office sends notices of overdue bills students often mistakenly assume this office will also assist with funding. Student should communicate with the Bursar regarding the overdue bill, but this office cannot assist them in paying the bill.

Financial Aid: this office packages institutional and federal aid. If a student or their family has had a major unexpected expense, loss of a job, or some other change in financial circumstances, Financial Aid will review their file and any new information available to assess the aid package. More information about this process can be found here.

Food Insecurity, Unexpected Costs, etc.

For these types of concerns refer the student to their class dean so we can discuss available resources here at Rensselaer and the surrounding communities. Additionally, our office oversees the Student Relief Fund which can provide quick financial resources to students in need.