SGS EMERGENCY GRANTS
(formerly SGS Bursary)


GSU Contacts:

Charlotte Reeve, 978-8464,
charlotte.reeve@utoronto.ca

Rose Da Costa, 978-2391,
rose.dacosta@utoronto.ca

SGS Memo, December 19th, 2007

The School of Graduates Studies Bursary Program has undergone significant change and will be known as the Emergency Grant Program as of January 7, 2008. The intent of the program is to respond to a short term financial crisis that the graduate student could not have foreseen or anticipated. Some key changes:

• Eligibility: Students must be full-time graduate students who have applied for OSAP. Students who are normally not eligible for the Emergency Grant Program are first year students, students with guaranteed funding (unless they qualify for OSAP), OISE/UT students, international students, and programs ineligible for OSAP and UTAPS.   In cases where a student has an immediate emergency, they should contact the Financial Counselor at the Fellowships Office.

• Fixed amounts: The Emergency Grant Program has established pre-determined amounts for living expenses, books, food, rent and utilities based on a student’s living situation. Examples of individual living situations include living in parental home, living away from home, living with a partner, and living with children.

• Process: To apply for the Emergency Grant Program students will apply directly to the Fellowships Office at SGS. Students will no longer apply through their department, nor will the process require the Graduate Coordinator to sign off on the application. Emergency grants are neither merit awards nor part of normal funding, and, consistent with University practice, departments will not be notified of the results of a student’s Emergency Grant application (emergency grants will however appear on the ROSI financial information). Departments may be contacted by the SGS Financial Counsellor to confirm a student’s funding and/or events from the student’s application that pertain to the department. Students are also encouraged to discuss their situation with their supervisor or graduate coordinator. The new process is designed to protect the privacy of the student and expedite the application process.

Full information about the Emergency Grant Program is on the SGS website. If you have questions regarding the program please contact the SGS Financial Counselor, Arianna Capotorto at 978-2839 or arianna.capotorto@utoronto.ca

We hope that the changes to the SGS Bursary program will more clearly articulate the eligibility of students, improve the process and better serve graduate students experiencing financial need.