The Graduate Student Relief Fund, established in Summer 2020, helps RPI graduate students who demonstrate financial hardship that threatens their academic progress. Beginning July 1, 2025, graduate students may apply for up to $1000.00 per request per fiscal year*. The lifetime maximum award amount that graduate students may receive is $2500.00.
Allowable disbursements include, but are not limited to:
- expenses related to family emergency situation (such as serious illness or death in the immediate family)
- expenses related to emergency medical or dental bills not covered by insurance
- expenses caused by unforeseen events such as an accident, fire, or natural disasters
- personal safety related needs
- other unanticipated and urgent needs as appropriate
The fund will NOT provide support for non-emergency items such as:
- costs included in the budgeted cost of attendance, such as tuition and fees
- study abroad costs
- non-essential academic or personal travel
- insurance fees
- costs associated with criminal or civil court cases
- expenses that are extravagant or non-utilitarian
Applications are reviewed by a committee of members from across campus who work with graduate students. In the application review process, committee members may request additional information or documentation to support the request.
To request the Graduate Student Relief Fund application, please e-mail Colleen Smith, dean of the graduate student experience. Dean Smith will follow up with a unique link to the application. Dean Smith may request a meeting with the graduate student to review application prior to submission.
Please note that graduate students receiving funds for new purchases will be asked to provide receipts within 30 days of the award fund disbursement.
Give to the Graduate Student Relief Fund
*The fiscal year is July 1 - June 30.
