AU creates Emergency Relief Fund for learners
The power of communities coming together, even while apart, has never been more important. There isn’t anyone who hasn’t been impacted in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Incredibly, people are finding ways to adapt, and to help others, even while at a distance.
Like so many others across Canada and around the world, AU learners have lost jobs and with it, the ability to pay for housing, food, and living expenses for themselves and their family. We recognize that and want to provide for our learners in need so they can continue their educational journey, without having to choose between living expenses and education.
In order to help learners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, AU has developed an Emergency Relief Fund. The fund will provide a $1000 bursary for graduate and undergraduate learners experiencing a financial emergency. Applications will open on June 7 and close on June 13 at 11:59 (MT).
If you are one of the many who are helping school-age children who are suddenly having to take their classes online, you may find some helpful tips at AU’s Moving Education Online website. This hub of curated resources provides tips and inspiration for parents supporting young learners, as well as teachers or university learners forced to adapt to learning online.
As a member of the Athabasca University community, please know that our thoughts are with you during this unprecedented time and hope that you, and those close to you, are safe and in good health and spirits.
Together we can make a difference.
Recognizing the long-term impact of the situation, AU has created an Emergency Relief Fund for learners in our community who are coping with an urgent financial need due to the pandemic.
AU has committed internal resources to the Emergency Relief Fund, however, the need is currently beyond what we can provide without your help. This is where we look to you, our AU community, to join us in supporting current learners. With your help, we can extend our reach and offer support to as many learners as we can. Every donation makes a difference.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit the Graduate Student Emergency Bursary and the AU Undergraduate Student Emergency Bursary.
Frequently Asked Questions - Emergency Relief Fund
When can I apply?
Applications will be accepted between June 7 and June 13, 2020
How do I apply?
Application forms will be available on the student awards website at:
Who is eligible?
An applicant must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply for this bursary:
- Be a current and active AU program student in an undergraduate or graduate program of study.
- Must be actively registered in at least one AU course at the time of application
- Have completed a minimum of 3 AU credits.
- Experienced an unexpected financial hardship due to a personal emergency.
- Demonstration of financial emergency that has the potential to negatively affect their course work and/or progress in their AU program
- Submit the completed application to the Student Awards Unit, Office of the Registrar at AU.
Is there a deadline?
Applications will be open between June 7th and June 13th.
Your application must be submitted by midnight June 13, 2020 MST.
Only correctly formatted and successfully submitted applications will be accepted. Follow instructions provided on the Student Awards Website.
How will you decide who is successful?
You must complete the undergraduate or graduate application and submit via the student awards portal. If you meet the requirements listed above, your name will be entered into a lottery. We will distribute as many awards as we have funding to support.
Do I have to provide my financial information?
No you do not. But, you will be asked to provide a brief explanation of your personal emergency and the potential it has to disrupt your studies at AU.
How much is the bursary worth?
Each bursary is valued at $1000 CAD
When will funding be distributed?
Payment will be made by cheque and mailed near the end of June 2020. The payment will be mailed to the address on your official student record. To confirm or make changes, log in to MyAU.
How will I receive the bursary funds?
Payment will be made by cheque and mailed by the end of June 2020.
If I applied for any other government grants, can I still apply?
Yes, absolutely. We encourage you to apply for any funding you are eligible for. It will not impact your eligibility for this bursary.
If I am not successful, are there other student awards that I will automatically be considered for?
You will not be automatically considered for other awards, but we do encourage you to apply for any other student awards that you may be eligible for.
Will there be other opportunities to apply again for the bursary?
If additional funds become available, we will re-open a second round for applications. You will need to reapply at this time.
Who funds the bursary?
Athabasca University and other community donors have provided funding for these bursaries.
