The Pacer Response Fund is a university-wide initiative managed by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Advancement. This fund was established to provide financial support to students facing urgent and unforeseen circumstances.
Prior to pursuing the Pacer Response Fund, it is recommended that the student contact the Office of Financial Aid to see if there are any options through financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid can be reached at 803-641-3476 or stuaid@usca.edu.
Designed as a supplemental resource, the fund assists students who are unable to cover immediate and essential expenses due to unexpected, unavoidable situations. It is intended for students who have exhausted all other available financial options, including aid through the Office of Financial Aid. Please note that this support is not meant to replace or supplement existing financial aid, and it does not require repayment.
The primary purpose of the fund is to help students navigate emergency situations without compromising their academic progress. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account financial need, the nature of the request, and current fund availability. While all currently enrolled students are eligible to apply, priority is given to those with the highest financial need.
Eligibility
All currently enrolled students at the University of South Carolina Aiken may be eligible to receive assistance from the Pacer Response Fund. The following factors are considered when evaluating applications:
- The student is experiencing a temporary financial hardship due to an emergency situation.
- Financial need is demonstrated, based on information provided by the Office of Financial Aid.
- All other financial resources, including student loans, have been explored and found to be insufficient, unavailable, or not accessible in a timely manner.
- The Office of Financial Aid has verified the student’s eligibility for emergency funding (e.g., the students have not reached their maximum aid limit).
- The need for assistance is not the result of the student’s own actions or decisions.
- The student has made a good faith effort to pursue alternative funding sources.
The student’s situation involves extenuating or specific circumstances warranting additional support.
Important Notes:
- Receiving emergency funds may affect a student’s existing financial aid package.
- Funds awarded may be considered taxable and could be reported to the IRS.
- Reimbursable funds are for those student expenses that are off-campus. These include off-campus housing, utilities such as electric, gas, water, travel expenses, any medical and prescription expenses. These requests will be treated on a case-by-case basis, and all requests are subject to being reimbursed after these expenses are provided - and providing detailed invoices or bank statements from the student.
- Funds able to be placed on financial aid account - include tuition and fees, books, housing (on-campus only), uniforms, and food (on-campus meal plans only), and on-campus technology needs can receive an invoice from the appropriate on-campus. These are for goods and services provided by various auxiliary offices and the foundation can transfer appropriate funds once invoiced and approved. These can be applied to a student’s account if advisable.
Want to Help?
Students who benefit from the Pacer Response Fund are deeply grateful for the support during this difficult time. The number of students benefiting from the emergency fund is limited to the availability of funds. By giving any amount, you will be helping students stay on track to achieve their goal of graduating from University of South Carolina Aiken.
If you would like to donate funds to the Pacer Response Fund, please:
- To: USCA,
- Attn: Advancement Services,
- 471 University Parkway,
Aiken, SC 29801
Please address check to Aiken Partnership Board and on the memo line write A32395
Call and pay by credit card via phone to 803-641-3334
Type in A32395 and click on account when it populates
What's Covered
- Food
- Travel expenses due to serious illness or death in the immediate family
- Medical expenses, mental health expenses, prescription eyeglasses, or essential dental work not covered by insurance
- Essential utilities (e.g. electricity, gas, water)
- Homelessness or sudden loss of housing
- Replacement of essential personal belongings due to accident, fire, theft, or natural disaster
- Other financial needs arising from individual and specialized circumstances to be determined on a case-by-case basis
What's NOT Covered
- Non-essential bills such as credit cards, cable, cell phone, etc.
- Parking tickets, library fines, or other expenses mistakenly incurred or preventable expenses
- Alcohol and drug related offenses, fines and court fees/penalties, tickets, legal fees or jail bonds
- Car repairs
- Cost for entertainment recreation, or non-emergency travel/travel over breaks
- Standardized testing or application fees
- A faculty or administrator cannot be reimbursed for providing emergency assistance to a student.
Please contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at (803) 631-3588 or stop by the Student Life Suite if you have any questions.