Financial Hardship Funds

The Eshelman School of Pharmacy Financial Hardship Fund typically considers financial assistance to Eshelman students who have been denied funds from the University Student Emergency Fund. The University Student Emergency Fund aids students who have been significantly affected by an unexpected catastrophic event. The fund supports students who are left with financial difficulties that can affect both their personal and academic lives.

Through the Financial Hardship Fund, the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy assists students, when possible, by providing financial support when they need assistance with emergency expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, significant illness, death of a family member, fire damage or need for temporary housing.

This funding does not have to be repaid. Per UNC policy, payments will be disbursed to the student’s account by the University Cashier’s Office. Funds will be applied to any outstanding charges or balances on the student account before a refund is generated.

Application Process

Students who have been denied funding by the University Student Emergency Fund are required to submit documentation of the denial, along with an application for ESOP Financial Hardship Funds to the Eshelman Office of Student Affairs.

The Office of Student Affairs reviews submitted financial hardship applications and determines eligibility and the appropriate funding amount. Funds are distributed within an average range of $250 to $500 if funds are available. Staff will review applications requesting in excess of $500 for unusual circumstances of emergency financial need. Applicants may be required to meet with a staff member in the Office of Student Affairs to discuss their application.

Complete an application to be considered for our Eshelman School of Pharmacy Financial Hardship Funds.

Types of Expenses Covered

The Eshelman School of Pharmacy Financial Hardship Fund can cover several types of expenses related to an unexpected catastrophic event. The following list offers examples of expenses that may be covered pending approval:

• Rent, utilities, and other essential household expenses
• Medications and other costs related to unexpected medical emergencies
• Books and other essential academic expenses
• Safety needs (i.e. changing a lock)
• Replacement of personal belongings due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
• Travel costs related to a death or illness in the immediate family

Expenses Not Covered

The following list offers examples of expenses NOT covered:

• Tuition, fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs
• Non-essential utilities, household, or furniture costs not related to damage or theft
• Parking tickets
• Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must have a financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unplanned event.
• Applicants must be currently matriculated in a degree or certificate program in the Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
• All other resources must have been considered and are insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner.

Students requesting Financial Hardship Funds are asked to contact the Sr. Director of Student Affairs, Ilona Owens, at pharmacystudentservices@unc.edu