Services for Undocumented Students at UC Merced provides support to students facing extenuating financial challenges.
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General Student Success Funds - designed to provide financial assistance to students with the following extenuating expenses:
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Professional Development (Ex: GRE Exam, Conference expenses, courses, etc).
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Rent
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Medical services
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Books
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Gas cards for commuters traveling more than a radius of 45 miles
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Legal Student Success Funds - range from $300 - $495 designed to provide financial assistance to students with the following extenuating expenses:
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DACA filing fees
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Advance Parole
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Other legal fees.
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Eligibility
- Must be undocumented
- Must be a current UC Merced student enrolled in a minimum of 12 units (applies during Summer as well)
- Must be low-income as defined by financial aid guidelines
- Must not be eligible for federal financial aid (Pell grant, federal loans, etc.)
- Must have submitted a California Dream Act application to the California Student Aid Commission.
- Note: Financial Aid packages will be considered for eligibility.
Requirements
- Fill out all the required information listed below.
- Completed applications MUST include appropriate receipts and proof of need (i.e., lease contract, statements, bills, expiring Work Authorization card) and must scan documentation to be uploaded in the "Upload File" section below in the form.
- After your application is received, you will have to meet with Victoria Ordaz Garcia for a final decision. These grants are on a first-come-first-serve basis and will be available until funds are exhausted.
Availability
Approved Student Success Funds will be available to the student within a month. It is highly recommended that students enroll in the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) available through Student Business Services (SBS). Your crisis funds will be transferred via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to your designated bank account.
NOTE: Emergency funds may be credited through Student Business Services (SBS) and funds are deposited into student bank accounts on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If there is any outstanding balance (i.e., library, fines, housing, etc.) on your student account, the emergency funds may be used to pay your outstanding balance. Exceptions are made for crisis funds to be used for payment of fees.
If you have any questions concerning emergency funds, please visit Services for Undocumented Students in Kolligian Library, Room 127, or email vordazgarcia@ucmerced.edu.
