Access Fund

What if I opt out of the Fund?

Only students who have paid into the Access Fund will be eligible for assistance. The Access Fund is a 'students helping students' program, and those who contribute should have access to the fund. If a student pays in and meets the eligibility criteria they will, in principle, receive their contribution back when they receive their bursary. There are other resources available on campus to students in immediate financial need; for more information, contact Student Connect.

Who is responsible for the Access Fund?

The Access Fund is overseen by the Grant Allocation Committee that is made up of Students' Union councillors. The Committee is responsible for establishing eligibility criteria and for the administration of the fund. Day-to-day administration of the fund is now handled Student Connect staff.

Who is eligible for Access Fund funding?

All University of Alberta undergraduate students who have paid Students' Union fees, and have not opted out of the Access Fund are eligible to apply. Please see the eligibility requirements page for specific requirements.

What if I don't meet the above criteria, but am still in financial need?

Students who do not meet the above criteria and wish to be considered should submit a letter with their application, detailing their exceptional circumstances; the Selection Committee will decide based on the information provided. Under no circumstances will any applicant who is not an undergraduate student or who has not paid Students' Union fees be considered.

Students who are not eligible for funding from the Access Fund may also inquire about other funding options at Student Connect.

How much money is available?

The amount awarded will be based on a student's calculated budget shortfall, and capped at an annual (September 1 - August 31) maximum of $3,000 and a lifetime maximum of $6,000. If you are applying for Spring and/or Summer funding, the maximum you can receive is $1500 for each term.

How do I apply?

In order to apply, come to Student Connect (Administration Building main floor ) and book an appointment to meet with a reviewer to discuss your application. Due to the large number of applicants, it will not be possible to reschedule students who miss appoinments without cancelling in advance. We will also not reschedule students who are more than ten minutes late for an appointment.

When you come for your interview, every student must bring:

• Your U of A ONEcard;
• Your notice of assessment from your student loan;
• The most recent paystub from your current job, and also the most recent paystub from any summer or co-op placement;
• A letter detailing any exceptional circumstances that effect your eligibility;
• Your timetable, with your fees assessment, from the University;
• Bank statements dating from the last three months for all accounts in the applicant's name;
• Any documentation of any extra expenses you wish the Selection Committee to consider.

International students must also bring a letter detailing why their financial plan is no longer adequate.

All applicants will be notified by mail or e-mail as to the status of their application.

Students who wish to appeal should first contact the Access Fund in order to obtain further details of the Committee's decision, and may then appeal to the Access Fund Committee in writing, if necessary.

For those students from Augustana who wish to apply, please contact Corinne Williams in F215, at the Faith & Life Centre.

When can I apply?

Please visit the Calendar and Deadlines page for the dates and deadlines for booking appointments.

Application review sessions must be booked in person or over the phone before these dates. No exceptions can be made. To book an appointment or for more information, please call 780-492-3113 or visit Student Connect.

Note that students are only eligible to apply once per year, unless they can document substantial and unanticipated changes in their financial circumstances.

Please contact us if you would like more information.

What about opting-out?

The Access Fund is a voluntary contribution. The Access Fund bylaw allows any student who is either philosophically opposed to this fee, or cannot afford it, to have their fee rebated to them within the time frame as defined by the Access Fund Committee. Students who choose to opt out must complete an opt-out form each term. Opt-outs are now processed only online and must be completed by midnight on the opt-out deadline date.

Please visit the Calendar and Deadlines page for the dates and deadlines for opting out and for when to pick up your opt out funds.

Please note that students who collect their Access Fund opt out monies will not, under any circumstances, be able to use the Access Fund that term. If you have received Access Fund funding in the past, you cannot opt out of the program.

Phone

780-492-3113
1-855-492-3113 (toll free)

Fax

780-492-7172

Monday - Tuesday:
8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday:
10:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Thursday - Friday:
8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Student Connect
Administration Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
T6G 2M7