ArcD Emergency Aid Fund


aerial view of KU campus

The ArcD Emergency Aid Fund is intended to assist students currently enrolled in the School of Architecture and Design at  KU Lawrence/Edwards campus who are experiencing an unexpected or unforeseen expense due to circumstances beyond their control. Emergency funds, up to $225 per semester, are intended to assist a student in addressing an immediate, unexpected financial hardship that might otherwise prevent them from continued participation as a School of Architecture and Design KU student. This ArcD Emergency Aid Fund is established under the auspices of Slaggie Architects, Inc. in Kansas City.

Please note that funds are limited, and we cannot meet the needs of every student who applies.  Only six (06) applications will be supported in any given year and students may apply for funds once per academic year. Please be aware that applying does not guarantee that you will receive funding. Awarding of funding is not immediate and can take time – if you have questions or concerns about your application, please contact Prof. Kapila D. Silva, Associate Dean for DEIB (kapilads@ku.edu).

Students may also apply for emergency aid available through the university. Please explore the following links:

Emergency Grant Application - University of Kansas Scholarships (academicworks.com)

Emergency Funds | Emergency Aid Network (ku.edu)

What to expect after submitting your application

Upon completion, you will receive a confirmation message indicating that we have received your application.  Your application will be reviewed, and you will be contacted via your KU email by Prof. Kapila D. Silva, Associate Dean for DEIB (kapilads@ku.edu) about your emergency fund application status within one week of submission. The School’s DEIB committee might contact you to discuss your situation further. Submitting an incomplete application or not providing further information when prompted by the School DEIB Committee may result in a longer review time. If your application is approved, please note that it takes 3 – 4 weeks for the funding to be processed, as per KU policies and procedures related to financial matters.

Eligible emergencies

For emergency aid, an emergency is defined as an unexpected/unforeseen crisis that impacts student success and is beyond a student’s control. Examples of an emergency include, but are not limited to:

  • Displacement/homelessness
  • Food insecurity, lack of access to food
  • A death or illness that has resulted in financial hardship
  • Victim of a crime or accident, or a natural disaster
  • Unplanned non-discretionary expenses (such as emergency medical bills, unexpected car repairs, etc.)
  • Unexpected expenses related to technology, material or printing needs for schoolwork

Expenses that are not generally considered

Applications submitted for one of these expenses should explain why the circumstance is unexpected/unforeseen. Some of these expenses may be considered in extreme cases where an emergency exists.

  • Expenses that have already been paid and there is no longer a financial need.
  • Expected/recurring/ongoing expenses, such as monthly bills (rent, utilities, car insurance, etc.) where an emergency/crisis is not present
  • Tuition and fees; educational expenses
  • Payment of educational/student loans or other personal debt not related to an emergency
  • Conference travel, study abroad expenses, or application fees
  • Costs incurred by someone who is not the student that is applying for aid
  • Childcare expenses
  • Pet expenses
  • Legal/court fees
  • Routine medical/dental expenses
  • Lack of budgeting/planning for expected expenses is not generally a stand-alone reason for funding approval.