Emergency Aid / Resources
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Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant Homeless Tuition Exemption Dependency Override Computers, Internet and Webcams Food Resources Police Department Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Wellness Resources Clothing Resources Transportation Resources Academic Resources Safety Resources Other ResourcesLife Happens Emergency Aid Grant
The Santa Fe College Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant is designed to assist currently enrolled students who experience a sudden, unforeseen financial emergency that may impact their ability to remain enrolled at Santa Fe College.
The grant is overseen by the College Ombudsperson, Karla Solis, and is made possible through the generous support of the Santa Fe College Foundation and donors who care about the success and well-being of Santa Fe College students.
Apply for the Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant
Main Eligibility and Details
Eligibility
Students may be considered for the Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant if they:
- Be enrolled in Santa Fe College classes during the semester in which they are requesting assistance.
- Have earned (completed) at least 6 college credit hours at Santa Fe College.
- Have a cumulative Santa Fe College GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Do not have outstanding debts or financial obligations to Santa Fe College.
- Eligible students will see the Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant application landing page in their eSantaFe portal. If the application does not appear on your scholarship page, you may not meet the eligibility requirements.
What Qualifies as an Emergency?
Eligible emergencies are immediate, short-term and severe financial situations that are unexpected and may create a barrier to a student's continued enrollment.
Emergencies considered by the committee include:
- Fire or Natural Disaster
- Loss of Childcare
- Medical Issues
- Theft of Essential Academic Items
- Transportation Issues
- Victimization
- Other documented emergency situations — students may provide an explanation in the application narrative.
Important Eligibility Information:
Chronic, ongoing, or pre-existing financial challenges are not eligible.
The Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant cannot be used to pay tuition, fees or other charges owed directly to Santa Fe College.
Required Documentation
Documentation requirements will vary depending on the emergency and the type of assistance requested.
Students should provide documentation that demonstrates the financial emergency and the amount of assistance needed. Examples may include:
- Bills, invoices, or receipts
- Eviction or housing-related notices
- Documentation of overdue payments
- Childcare provider notices or invoices
- Healthcare provider bills or documentation
- Auto repair estimates or invoices
- Other documentation relevant to the emergency
Providing complete and relevant documentation helps the review committee understand the students’ circumstances and determine eligibility for assistance.
Additional Eligibility and Details
Funding
Funding for the Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant is provided through the Santa Fe College Foundation and the generous contributions of individuals who support the health, well-being and educational success of Santa Fe College students.
Grant awards vary based on the student's circumstances, the nature of the emergency, and the documentation provided.
The maximum grant award is $1000.
The Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant is a grant, not a loan. Students are not required to repay grant funds.
Disbursement
Grant funds are paid directly to an eligible third party associated with the student's emergency expenses. Examples may include a landlord, automobile repair shop, childcare provider, or other appropriate service provider.
Neither the student nor the college qualify as third party.
Students may:
- Pick up the check and deliver it to the third party; or
- Provide a mailing address so the Santa Fe College Foundation can mail the check on the student's behalf.
How Often Can I Apply?
Students are eligible to receive the Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant one time during their enrollment at Santa Fe College.
Have Questions or Need Assistance?
Contact the Ombuds at karla.solis@sfcollege.edu or by phone at 352-395-5513 if you encounter any problems completing the online application.
How Can I Support the Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant?
Thank you for considering a gift to support Santa Fe College students.
The Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant helps remove financial barriers caused by sudden, unforeseen emergencies so students can continue their education and remain enrolled in their classes.
To learn more about supporting this important student success initiative, visit Ways to Give to explore the different ways you can donate to the Santa Fe College Foundation.
Your generosity can make a meaningful difference when a student experiences an unexpected emergency and needs temporary financial assistance to stay on track toward their educational goals.
Thank you for partnering with us on behalf of our students.
Homeless Tuition Exemption
The homeless exemption exempts the cost of tuition for those students who lack a fixed, nighttime dwelling and are certified as "homeless" by a certified homeless facility.
A letter from a certified homeless agency certifying the student's homelessness must be submitted to the Office of Admission in Room R-101 at the Northwest campus.
Dependency Override
A student experiencing homelessness may qualify for a change in dependency status on the FAFSA. See the Financial Aid's page for Special Circumstances.
Computers, Internet and Webcams
Laptop and Hotspot Loan Program
Students who need a laptop, hotspot, or webcam for college coursework may apply to borrow one through SF's technology loan program.
Visit sfcollege.edu/laptoploan for more information and to complete the application.
Internet and Computers
A national program called EveryoneOn is designed to help local communities find low-cost internet and affordable computers in their area. Santa Fe College has partnered with EveryoneOn's Digital Equity Champions program to connect our students and their families to internet (beyond a cell phone) to ensure they have access to what they need at home to be successful. Find offers in the local community at everyoneon.org/find-offers.
Resources for Homelessness and Foster Students
Students experiencing housing instability (no stable nighttime housing) should contact SF's Homeless Liaison, Karla Solis for assistance. She can refer students to college and community resources to address their housing situation.
Additionally, students facing housing instability may qualify for:
- The Homeless Tuition Exemption. Contact the Admissions Office.
- A change in dependency status on the FAFSA. Contact the Financial Aid Office.
Food Resources
Saints Food Share is fighting hunger and fueling student success by distributing groceries and baked goods those experiencing food insecurity.
For immediate assistance, currently enrolled students can stop by the Food Pantry in S-112 on the first floor of Building S between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for a pre-made bag of groceries. Students attending classes at any of SF’s Educational Centers can also request groceries to be delivered to the Centers via campus mail.
To request a more customized bag of groceries, currently enrolled SF student can complete the grocery intake form at sfcollege.tfaforms.net/f/saintscarefoodshareintake or contact Saints Food Share directly by emailing foodpantry@sfcollege.edu. Please use an official SF email address for correspondence and be sure to include any food allergies or dietary restrictions in the message.
Free Baked Goods
Saints Food Share provides free baked goods to SF students and employees experiencing food insecurity. Free baked goods are available on Monday mornings at 8 a.m. and Wednesday mornings around 10 a.m. in S-112 on the Northwest Campus.
Police Department
A small amount of non-perishable food items are available 24/7, no questions asked, at the Police Department by request or referral. Food is provided by the Gainesville Harvest.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides funds to help buy food. Students may be eligible if they meet the criteria for student exemptions under SNAP guidelines. Visit Access Florida to apply for SNAP benefits and for more information about the program.
Wellness Resources
Santa Fe College students have FREE, 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare — the virtual health and well-being platform designed for college students.
The Counseling and Wellness Center provides short-term, solution-focused counseling to SF students free of charge, as well as crisis intervention, outreach and consultation. The Center is part of the Trauma Response Team at Santa Fe College which provides needed comfort to students, faculty, staff and families in times of crisis. Counselors also assist students, faculty and staff identify other services in the college and in the community that may be helpful. In addition to its participation in events such as Safe Spring Break and numerous awareness events.
All currently enrolled students with a valid SFID may access the Fitness Center for a shower and/or a physical exercise.
Services offered by the clinic include: Cleaning, Dental Radiographs (x-rays), Oral Examination/Dental Hygiene/Treatment Planning, Dental Prophylaxis (cleaning), Deep Cleaning, Topical Fluoride Treatments, Sealants, Oral Hygiene Instructions, Fillings, and Simple Extractions performed by SF Dental Program students. Cost for services vary depending on type of service provided to the patient. Call 352-395-5655 to make an appointment. Spaces are limited. Clinic Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. The clinic schedule may vary depending upon the semester schedule and student needs.
Clothing Resources
Share Wear is Santa Fe College's on-campus thrift shop offering clothes, shoes, and accessories for $1 or less. Share Wear is open every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in HA-130 (next to the UF@SF Center). Students with emergency clothing needs can contact Share Wear for assistance.
Clothing items are available 24/7 at the Police Department by request or referral to anyone. Persons may need clothing in circumstances where their own clothing was damaged or torn, a person was victimized, or for inclement weather. Clothing is provided by Saints Share Wear.
The Displaced Homemaker Program offers non-traditional students a clothes closet as well as free classes and workshops to develop Life Management Skills, Employability Skills, Basic Computer Skills, Job Counseling, Financial Management and Educational Exploration.
Transportation Resources
All currently enrolled SF students and staff with a current SFID card can enjoy pre-paid unlimited access to all RTS Fixed-Route Services. No fee is required. Santa Fe College is regularly serviced by the Regional Transit System (RTS) and buses stop on campus in front of S-Building. (Not valid on Special Services such as Gator Aider, etc,)
Jump Start for Dead Vehicle Battery by the Santa Fe College Police Department
As a courtesy, the Santa Fe College Police Department will provide students with a portable jump starter box for check out if the battery in a vehicle dies on campus. Portable jump starters at the Police Department on the Northwest campus and from Center College officials at other campuses. Visit the SF Police Department in Building T (near the Library). To check out the jump starter box, bring identification. For those who don't know how to jump a dead battery, police can assist on site.
Academic Resources
If you have a disability, it shouldn't keep you from participating fully in classes or on campus. The DRC is committed to providing services to students with disabilities so that they can have equal opportunities. The DRC can help with students who need priority seating, alternative testing, sign language interpreters, service animals and more.
Learning Commons In-Person and Online Tutoring
The Learning Commons is an academic resource center located within the Lawrence W. Tyree Library (Building Y). The Learning Commons provides free tutoring services and academic coaching for all SF students. Tutoring services are also located at all of our Center Locations.
If you need help outside of regular tutoring hours, after hours tutoring is available through Tutor.com. Log into eSantaFe, then navigate to Tutoring & Support and choose After Hours Tutoring to get started.
The Learning Commons is an academic resource center located within the Lawrence W. Tyree Library (Building Y). The Learning Commons provides free tutoring services and academic coaching for all SF students.
Textbook Loaner Program
Current and/or updated textbooks may be available in the Lawrence W. Tyree Library (Building Y) at the Reserve Desk on the First Floor.
Student Life has a limited number of TI-83+ and TI-84 calculators available to students taking math courses. A student may borrow a calculator for a limited period of time and must return it to Student Life in the same condition as when it was checked-out. The individual checking out the calculator agrees to pay the Student Life replacement costs if the TI-83+ is lost, damaged or returned with parts missing.
As a service for graduating students without the financial resources to purchase a cap and gown, Student Life provides a Cap and Gown Assistance Program. This program provides students who demonstrate financial need with a cap and gown for the duration of their commencement ceremony. To be eligible to borrow a cap and gown from Student Life, students must have an active application for Graduation on file and indicate they are walking at the ceremony.
Student Support Services provides academic and advising support for first time in college students, low income, and/or students with disabilities. Student Support Services is home to Santa Fe College's TRIO Hub, a meeting place for participants with a study room that can be reserved, and a fully staffed study lab. The lab provides one-on-one tutoring support as well as computer and printing stations. Our academic coach is available to assist participants throughout their degree program with helpful tips, tools and advice to help each student reach their personal and academic goals.
Safety Resources
Santa Fe College is committed to providing a safe learning environment. If you see behavior that indicates a potential for violence or threatens anyone at SF or on SF property, please dial 911 or call the Santa Fe College Police Department IMMEDIATELY at 352-395-5555 and report the behavior with information including location, date and time, persons involved, descriptions, and witness. If you have concerns that are not immediate, you may share them with the college's Behavioral Intervention Team using this Report Form.
Safety Escort Service by the Santa Fe College Police Department
The Santa Fe College Police Department will provide primarily nightly safety escort service to and from buildings for those who desire it. If you desire a safety escort day or night, you may call the Department at 352-395-5519.
"Safe Space" at Santa Fe College Police Department
The SFPD building is a refuge for youth and provides access to immediate help and supportive resources for youth in crisis or who are runaways. Youth who come to the PD will be connected to CDS Family and Behavioral Services. This is denoted by the "Safe Space" sign on the front of the building.
Safe Trade Zone at Santa Fe College Police Department
The SFPD is a "Safe Trade Zone." Persons can conduct transactions for online sales using the Police Department front lobby or parking area. This is especially helpful when meeting strangers to buy or sell goods via an online website. This provides a safer area to transact and is designated by the "Safe Trade Zone" sign on the front of the building.
Other Resources
The Career Exploration Center has staff and resources that can assist students in their process of identifying career goals and programs of study. The CEC has computerized assessments that will help identify a person's interests, values, personality traits and other relevant factors that can be used to suggest careers that are worthy of exploration. You can also search for colleges, scholarships and potential employers. The center is open to SF students, faculty and staff, and anyone else in the community.
The Santa Fe College Career and Job Placement Office provides student assistance with off-campus full-time, part-time, internship and apprenticeship opportunities. Services include resume and cover letter preparation, interview coaching, application assistance, employer introductions, workshops and career advising. For more information or to set an appointment please call Nancy Halbrook 352-395-5822 or email nancy.halbrook@sfcollege.edu.
The Displaced Homemaker Program assists non-traditional aged students and returning students with admissions application assistance, with Food Pantry assistance, with a clothes closet and with free classes and workshops to develop Life Management Skills, Employability Skills, Basic Computer Skills, Job Counseling, Financial Management and Educational Exploration.
SF has a strong and vibrant international population with students representing nearly 100 countries from around the world. International Student Services (ISS) supports international students from application to graduation and beyond. ISS prepares federal immigration documents for the F-1 process, while International Student Support and Advising (ISSA) provides academic advising for international students who must consider additional enrollment requirements. ISSA also provides cultural programs to help international students adjust to the United States and provides an opportunity for them to share their culture with the college and greater community.
Lost and Found at the Santa Fe College Police Department
The Santa Fe College Police Department is charged with securing all items found on campus. These items are to be turned into the Police Department as soon as possible. Lost articles may be claimed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
M-Th 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Fri 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
DCF Tuition Exemption
For students who were in the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families, DCF exemptions cover all undergraduate tuition and fees until the student reaches 28 years of age.
Tuition Payment Plan
The Cashier's Office has partnered with NelNet to offer a payment plan for students who must self pay. The payment plan allows you to break up the cost of tuition into more manageable amounts. The payments get larger as you get closer to when classes begin, so be sure to plan.
This program aims to help student Veterans, Military Service Members and their families succeed and thrive through a coordinated delivery of both on-campus and off-campus benefits assistance leading to completion of their education and preparing them to enter the labor market in viable careers.
This page helps students explore the many resources available to help = pay for college.