Eagle Stay – Emergency Student Resources
When unforeseen financial circumstances impede your academic progress, UMW can provide one-time, immediate assistance through grants and on-campus programs. From a food closet and meal options to an S.O.S fund for purchases related to transportation, housing, utilities, technology, medical expenses, childcare, or course materials, students can apply directly to be connected to resources.
Students who are experiencing unforeseen financial emergencies will be asked to provide documentation for their extenuating circumstances, such as an invoice or bill.
Students may qualify for multiple programs and only need to submit one form to apply for all Eagle Stay resources.
Emergency Grants
Emergency grants are available to currently enrolled University of Mary Washington students who receive a federal Pell grant. They may need temporary, immediate financial support for unexpected financial challenges or emergencies that involve circumstances beyond the student’s control and for which other resources have been exhausted. Requests for Eagle Stay emergency grant funds are considered on the basis of what is recognized as an emergency or financial hardship that would impede the continuity of learning at UMW, such as theft, fire damage, school related expenses, technology and equipment needed, and more.
Students may be eligible for up to $500 each academic year.
Incoming students for fall 2025 who are Pell-eligible may qualify for a $250 book grant, good for anything in the UMW Bookstore.
S.O.S Fund
The SOS Fund is a one-time emergency grant available to current University of Mary Washington students who require immediate, temporary financial assistance for an exigent circumstance outside the student’s control when other resources are not available. The fund may not be used to pay the cost of tuition nor campus room and board. In addition, this grant may affect awarded financial aid.
The S.O.S funding is designated from philanthropic gifts to UMW. Named for longtime Dean of Students Cedric B. Rucker ’81, the S.O.S fund continues a dedicated and responsive approach to quickly meet student needs.
Swipe Out Hunger
If you or someone you know has trouble affording nutritious meals, check out the Swipe Out Hunger program. The program helps support students at UMW who are experiencing ‘food insecurity’ – that’s when you don’t have the resources to eat like you should to keep your brain learning.
It’s free and opens each academic year on August 1, with meals available courtesy of Sodexo/University Dining.
If you have questions, please contact Dean Porter at cjporter@umw.edu.
Gwen Hale Resource Closet
On campus, the Gwen Hale Resource Closet offers food, clothing school supplies, toiletries and other items at no cost to any member of the UMW community
Visit the website for more information or stop by the 5th floor of Lee Hall or the satellite location “Food for Thought” in Simpson Library.
No appointment or request form is needed to access the Gwen Hale Resource Closet. Please stop by during open hours.
Short-term Housing
Students who are experiencing off-campus housing issues can contact the Dean of Students office of on-campus options and Fredericksburg area
Please note: These resources are not scholarships and are intended to be an emergency resource for basic needs when other options have been exhausted. If you need to review or update your financial aid, including accessing immediate short-term student loans, please contact Financial Aid.
For scholarship support, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Emergency scholarship support, including specific awards for students at each stage of the academic journey, may be available. Apply for scholarships online.