Signum Fidei Student Support Fund Policies and Procedures

Christian Brothers University continues to address the needs of our students who are facing immediate, unforeseen financial hardship with our Signum Fidei Student Support Fund – supported by generous donors as a “sign of faith” in our students.  This fund, previously known simply as the Student Emergency Fund, originated with the recognition that our students were facing tremendous hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues today through generous donations.  The fund provides resources to currently enrolled CBU students in financial need due to unforeseen circumstances that are beyond the student’s control. 

As a means of temporary assistance, applicants are expected to actively seek additional remedies to address their ongoing financial challenges. Students may, however, apply for assistance from the Signum Fidei Student Support Fund more than once.

After considering other resources (pending refunds, student loans, payment plans, additional student aid such as federal work-study, assistance from family/friends, other personal resources), students may choose to apply. This funding is NOT intended to reimburse students for expenses that have already been paid, or to replace or supplement existing financial aid.

Expenses and Eligibility

Expenses that MAY be Covered:

  • Medications and other costs related to emergency medical care.
  • Food and/or toiletries, outside the Buc Stop Community Food Pantry on campus.
  • Items related to academic success.
  • Replacement of essential personal belongings or temporary housing needs, due to loss of employment, fire, or natural disaster. 

Expenses that will NOT be Covered:

  • Tuition, fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs.
  • Non-essential utilities (i.e. cable), household, or furniture costs
  • Loaner computers for academic use will no longer be provided by the university.  If a laptop is needed, it should be requested in the student statement for committee review.
  • Regularly anticipated fixed expenses (i.e. rent, tuition, fees, monthly bills).
  • Parking tickets.
  • Fees assessed by the University.
  • Entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled students.
  • Applicants must have an immediate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident.
  • Expenses must be unexpected, unforeseen, urgent, and unavoidable.
  • All other resources, including pending refunds, personal insurance and student loans must have been considered and are either insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner.
  • Applicants must complete all questions in full. Supporting documentation is advised.
  • Student has read the stated polices and procedures – also understanding that falsifying or withholding information in this application may result in a referral to the Dean of Students for disciplinary actions.

Application Process

Students who are in need of Signum Fedei Student Emergency Funds may submit an application and supporting documentation by completing the Signum Fidei Student Emergency Fund application. The Signum Fidei Student Emergency Fund Committee, made up of university staff members, will meet weekly to review applications and make funding determinations.

For information on the application, please contact the Division of Student Affairs at (901) 321-3532.

Application Review

Once received, each application is reviewed on its own merit, with no automatic guarantees for funding. The committee reviews the student’s statement, evaluates the emergent nature of the request, and considers the funds readily available to the student. In situations where a work study position or a financial aid pathway is possible, the student will be encouraged to seek those avenues.

The committee makes a recommendation to the administration for funding – and final approval.

Signum Fidei Student Support Fund Policies and Procedures updated on November 21, 2022.  All future submissions are subject to these guidelines.

Additional Resources 

Here at CBU, we are dedicated to supporting our students. We have provided information on the following campus and community resources to assist you. 

Work Study (Federal and Institutional)

Federal Work Study (FWS) and Institutional Work Study (IWS) are opportunities to work part-time, on-campus (must be approved by CBU Financial Aid Office) jobs to earn additional funds to pay for your tuition or personal expenses. Work Study is also a great opportunity to gain work experience, be involved in community service and contribute to the operations of the college. Work Study jobs are usually 10-15 hours a week and they pay $7.25/hr. To find out if you qualify, please contact the CBU Financial Aid Office at Finaid@cbu.edu. Once you learn your status, it is your responsibility to secure employment. You may access open positions and apply online through the CBU career services office handshake system (insert link here) If you have a particular interest or area where you wish to work, you can check with that department specifically and ask if they are hiring. Several departments on campus have Work Study positions available; however, here are some great places to start:

  • Academic Services (Barry Hall 37)
  • The Student Success Center (Thomas Center 100)
  • Student Affairs (Rozier Center Suite C)
  • Financial Aid (Barry Hall 21)
  • Plough Library

Once you have secured employment, download, and complete the Work Study Checklist Approval Form and ask your new supervisor to complete it with you.

Community Resources

 We are lucky to live in a city like Memphis because Memphians come together to help each other in times of need! Here is a list of community resources available to help families and/or individuals experiencing emergencies:

Housing and Rent Assistance Agencies
Metropolitan Interfaith Association: Metropolitan Interfaith Association (MIFA) provides basic assistance to families to prevent homelessness and encourage independence.
Neighborhood Christian Center: Neighborhood Christian Center aids families in Memphis experiencing crisis. Typical assistance includes emergency food, clothing, and housing items. Emergency rent and utility assistance is also available.
Agape Child and Family Services: The A4A Rapid Rehousing program at Agape Child and Family Services seeks to rehouse displaced families in the greater Memphis Area. The targeted applicants are youth, age 18-24, with or without children. Support lasts up to 12 months.

Pay it Forward

Signum Fidei Student Emergency Funds are awarded as philanthropic gifts and are not expected to be repaid. However, as a member of a Lasallian community, we would hope that upon receiving a gift, you would consider “paying it forward” by helping someone else in need in the future.  A perfect opportunity to give back after graduation would be donating the Signum Fidei Student Emergency Fund as an alumnus.