Application Guidelines College of Arts and Sciences
The Graduating College Senior Bridge Fundis designed to provide financial assistance (up to $500.00) to students in their final year of undergraduate study who face significant financial barriers that may prevent them from completing their degree. This one-time funding aims to cover tuition gapsand other essential educational expensesfor students who are on track to graduate but have exhausted other financial aid options.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the Graduating College Senior Bridge Fund, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Senior Status:
- Applicants must be in their final year of study and on track to graduate within the current academic year (e.g., Fall or Spring semester).
- Enrollment:
- Must be currently enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student, as defined by the institution.
- Academic Standing:
- Must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.0.
- Students must demonstrate satisfactory progress toward degree completion.
- Financial Need:
- Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need and provide evidence of a tuition gapor unpaid balancethat could prevent them from completing their degree.
- Must have exhausted other financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, or personal contributions.
- Remaining Tuition Balance:
- This fund is intended for students who have a remaining tuition balance that is not covered by existing financial aid or personal resources.
- One-Time Award:
- The Graduating Senior Bridge Fund is intended to provide one-time, non-renewablefinancial assistance to help students graduate.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit the following materials to Assistant Dean Randell Price ( pricer1@ohio.edu ):
- Submit a Personal Statement:
- Write a personal statement (approximately 500 words) explaining the nature of your financial need, why the funds are necessary for you to complete your degree, and how this funding will allow you to graduate on time. Be sure to mention any extraordinary circumstances that have contributed to your financial hardship.
- Include a Graduation Plan:
- Provide a brief summary of your remaining coursework, including:
- Number of credits or courses left to graduate.
- Expected graduation date (semester and year).
- A plan detailing how you will complete your remaining courses.
- Provide a brief summary of your remaining coursework, including:
- Provide a Budget Overview:
- Submit a budget that includes:
- Outstanding tuition balance for the current or upcoming semester.
- Any additional fees required for graduation (e.g., graduation fees).
- Other relevant educational costs (e.g., textbooks or course materials).
- Submit a budget that includes:
- Submit Documentation of Financial Need:
- Provide relevant documentation, such as:
- A tuition bill or account statement showing the unpaid balance for the current or upcoming semester.
- Financial aid award letters indicating the amount of aid already received.
- Any other documentation that shows financial hardship (e.g., proof of reduced family income, unexpected medical bills, etc.).
- Provide relevant documentation, such as:
- Recommendation from Faculty or Success Advisor:
- Attach a letter of recommendation or endorsement from a faculty member or Success Advisor (this does not need to be lengthy).
Review Process and Timeline:
- Application Review:
- Applications will be reviewed by the designated committee, which will assess financial need, academic progress, and the urgency of the situation. Special consideration will be given to students with extreme financial hardship.
- Decision Notification:
- You will be notified of the decision via email. The typical review process takes between 1-3 weeks, depending on the number of applications and the complexity of each case.
- Disbursement of Funds:
- If approved, funds will be disbursed directly to your student account and applied to the remaining tuition balance. Funds may also be used to pay for any outstanding graduation fees or course materials, depending on your individual application.
Important Considerations:
- Limited Funding:
Funds are limited and will be awarded based on the urgency of need, availability of funds, and the student’s ability to meet the eligibility criteria. Priority will be given to students with significant financial hardship and those closest to completing their degree. - One-Time Award:
This is a one-time, non-renewable award intended to support students in their final semester or academic year. - Confidentiality:
All personal information and financial details submitted during the application process will be kept confidential and used only for the purpose of evaluating eligibility for the bridge fund.