Every year UCSB Rec Sports gives thousands of dollars to students who are in financial need because of medical emergencies that arise during the school year. As a UCSB student you are eligible to apply for emergency funds through Jack Canfield Chicken Soup for the Soul/ SMERF (Student Emergency Relief Fund).
Apply at www.sa.ucsb.edu/smerf or get an application at UCSB Recreational Sports Office Room #1110, Fax: (805) 893-5973.
Facts:
- Every UCSB student contributes to the SMERF fund through a quarterly lock in fee of 89 cents, which generates more than $50,000 annually for the fund.
- This fund was created to assist students in need of financial assistance
- There are several steps that students are required to take prior to applying for the fund. Students must visit the Financial Aid Office and EOP, and discuss options for parental or other family assistance.
- Students should attempt to take personal responsibility for covering as much of the costs as possible.
- The medical emergency can not be a pre-existing condition that occurred prior to enrollment as UCSB.
- Each case is reviewed at a committee meeting on its individual merits.
