By Ashley Hayes (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: September 10, 2014
Many students are familiar with financial hardship, but sometimes circumstances make it even more difficult to make ends meet. One source of funding that eases the burden comes from the UFV lifesaver program, which allows UFV faculty, staff, and alumni to make a donation for struggling UFV students.
Since the program’s inception in 2009, it has helped 236 students by issuing emergency funds to those who demonstrated need. When students experience a sudden financial hardship, they can speak with an advisor in the financial aid office, explain their situation, and apply for emergency funds. Funds are provided on a case-by-case basis.
Donors are able to choose one of three options as to where their donation will be allocated. The first is the UFV student emergency fund. According to the UFV website, this fund “provides financial support to students experiencing serious economic difficulties due to sudden and unexpected situation[s].”
The second option is to donate to the faculty and staff bursary, which students who demonstrate financial need can apply for each semester.
The third choice, “other funds”, contributes to existing awards or bursaries, new equipment, or library resources. Donors also have access to information online about department projects to which they may donate. These include agriculture (farm automation equipment), theatre (theatre lighting board, digital projector and video camera), and student transitions (first-year success programs).
During the 2011 campaign, UFV matched all new funds that were donated. This year, they are asking existing donors to renew their gift, increase their donation amount, or ask friends or colleagues to match their donations.
The current “Be a Lifesaver” campaign runs until October 31, and donations can be made online.
The university advancement office said the general idea of the UFV student emergency fund is that it is a “gift” to students who are in an extreme financial situation; as such, it is not treated as a loan to be paid back.
