SHARE Emergency Fund – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Program Overview
Q: What is the SHARE Emergency Fund?
A: The SHARE Emergency Fund is a university-supported initiative that provides temporary financial assistance to eligible staff employees who are facing unforeseen and urgent financial hardships.
Q: Who administers the fund?
A: The fund is administered by the Human Resources Department and Staff Senate SHARE (Staff Help Assistance Relief Efforts) committee. The SHARE Committee will consist of seven (7) Staff Senate members plus the Parliamentarian and Staff Senate Secretary/Treasurer. All committee members must be recommended and approved by the Staff Senate Credentials and Nominations Committee.
Q: What is the purpose of this fund?
A: The fund is designed to help staff employees maintain financial stability during emergencies that may otherwise jeopardize their housing, health, or ability to work.
Eligibility and Application
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Active, full-time and part-time staff who have completed at least six months of continuous employment with the university are eligible to apply.
Q: How often can I apply for assistance?
A: Staff employees may apply for assistance once per year.
Q: Is there a maximum amount of assistance I can receive?
A: Yes. The fund may provide up to $1,000 once per year, depending on the documented need and available funding.
Covered Emergencies
Q: What types of emergencies qualify for assistance?
A: Examples of covered emergencies include:
Medical emergencies, threatened foreclosure or eviction, or loss of property due to natural disaster, Housing instability, utility shut-off, family medical crises, or other temporary financial hardships
Q: What types of expenses are not covered?
A: The fund does not cover credit card debt, routine expenses, elective procedures, or non-essential services like cable or internet.
Funding and Payback
Q: Where does the funding come from?
A: The fund is supported by contributions from Staff Senate SHARE fundraising, community donations, and University Philanthropy and Alumni fundraising.
Q: Do I have to repay the assistance I receive?
A: No. The funding assistance provided does not require repayment, although repayment is encouraged.
Application Process and Review
Q: How do I apply for assistance?
A: Applications are submitted through an online form on the SHARE website. Applicants must provide documentation verifying the emergency.
Q: Who reviews my application?
A: An HR representative reviews all applications to ensure fairness and consistency.
Q: How will I be notified about the decision?
A: Applicants will be notified via email within 7 business days of submission.
Confidentiality and Support
Q: Will my supervisor or coworkers know that I applied?
A: No. All applications and materials are handled confidentially.
Q: Will the SHARE committee members have access to personal information on the application?
A: No. All personal information will be redacted. All committee members have signed a contract of confidentiality.
Q: Is there support available if I need help completing the application?
A: Yes. HR representatives are available to assist employees in completing the application and gathering required documentation.