The Economic Crisis Committee (ECC) provides support and guidance to students who have self-identified, or are identified by Whittier College faculty or staff, as experiencing a financial crisis that impacts their academic success at Whittier College.
If you are in financial distress, contact the Economic Crisis Committee at fromo@whittier.edu or 562.907.4233.
If you are being threatened with eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Economic Crisis Committee is aware of the challenges facing students amid the current pandemic including but not limited to facing eviction and utility shut-off.
Students who are leasing off-campus housing from a private landlord are encouraged to contact their city hall for information on tenant rights during the pandemic. If you are renting in the City of Whittier, you cannot be evicted for failure to pay rent under a city moratorium on tenant evictions expiring May 30 or until extended by the Governor of California.
Emergency Funds
Undergraduate students currently enrolled at Whittier College may request funds for an emergency situation under compelling circumstances that jeopardize their ability to successfully continue in school. Student Emergency Funds will be provided in the form of a grant and will typically range from $100 to $500, depending on the student's case and need. Priority for student emergency funds will be given to cases with urgent needs, extreme hardship, and/or lack of alternative options. A student will be eligible to receive emergency funds twice within a four-year time period, but only once per academic year, while attending Whittier College. Visit MyWhittier for full details on how to apply for emergency funds.
Emergency funds may be used to cover
- Food insecurity
- Transportation including car repairs
- Emergency healthcare expenses that are not covered by insurance (i.e. co-pays)
- Loss of child care
- Travel in the case of the death or illness of an immediate family member
- Books (under special circumstances)
- Imminent utility shut-off due to overdue payments
- Other special circumstances to be determined by the review committee
Emergency funds may NOT be used to cover
- Tuition
- Fees
- Room and Board
- Optional programs
- Entertainment
- Recreation
- Non-emergency travel
- Other non-essential expenses
Meal Voucher Program
The meal voucher program ensures that Whittier students receive nutrition and sustenance during times of hardship. Most students are eligible to apply to this program for up to 2 semesters, receiving a maximum of 5 vouchers each semester. To be eligible for this program students must live off campus, not have a meal plan, and have exhausted all financial aid options including loans.
Requesting vouchers
Students may request vouchers by visiting the Dean of Students Office, Campus Center room 142 and completing an eligibility form. Subsequent requests will require additional documentation signed by the Office of Financial Aid as well as a meeting with a Dean of Students Office staff member.
Contributing to the Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund is funded by generous donors including alumni, parents, staff, faculty, and community members. Consider making a gift to continue supporting students in times of critical financial need.
