Student Emergency Assistance Fund

Roger Williams University School of Law
Student Emergency Assistance Fund

The Student Emergency Assistance Fund provides limited financial support to students experiencing unexpected and urgent financial hardships that threaten their health, safety, well-being or ability to continue their legal education. Assistance may be provided through emergency grants of up to $500 and, in exceptional circumstances, additional emergency loan assistance.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled at RWU Law, demonstrate an immediate and unforeseen financial emergency, show that other resources have been exhausted or are insufficient, and provide supporting documentation when available.

Examples of Eligible Emergencies

Unexpected housing expenses; emergency travel; medical or dental expenses; technology needs required for academic participation; loss of employment or income; emergency vehicle repairs; utility shutoff prevention; childcare expenses resulting from an unforeseen emergency; and other urgent situations approved by the committee.

Expenses Generally Not Covered

Routine living expenses, tuition and fees, credit card debt, expenses incurred prior to enrollment, expenses for individuals other than the applicant, or discretionary spending.

Application Process

If you are experiencing unexpected financial difficulty that is impacting your ability to thrive at RWU Law, complete the Law Student Emergency Fund Request Form. 

Factors reviewed when considering awards:

  • Whether a student is on financial aid (most funds are restricted for students on aid)
  • Whether a student is eligible for aid that has not been utilized
  • Whether a student has previously received support from these funds
  • Documentation of the hardship/circumstances
  • Extenuating or specific circumstances

Demand will likely exceed available funding, and in most cases granted funding will not cover the entire cost of an event or emergency. These funds are not a replacement for financial aid, and are intended to cover incidental and unexpected expenses of modest amounts that a student demonstrates they are financially unable to meet. Additionally, requesting and/or receiving emergency funds will not affect a student’s annual financial aid award. Priority is given to students demonstrating the greatest need and most urgent circumstances.

Review and Decision Timeline 

Applications are typically reviewed within 5 business days. Students will be notified of the decision via their RWU email. In cases of urgent need, expedited review may be available. 

Terms and Conditions 

  • Funds are limited and awarded based on availability 
  • All information provided must be accurate and truthful, and appropriate documentation is required
  • Misuse of funds may result in ineligibility for future assistance
  • The school of law reserves the right to deny requests that do not meet criteria 

Confidentiality Statement 

All applications and supporting materials will be treated with confidentiality and reviewed only by authorized staff, including the Office of Financial Aid. 

Contact Information

For questions or assistance with your application, please contact:  

Jill Dallaire, Assistant Director of Student Life 
jrdallaire@rwu.edu 

Lorraine Lalli, Associate Dean of Student Life 
llalli@rwu.edu  

Douglas Peterson, Registrar and Director of Academic Systems, Data, & Reporting
dpeterson@rwu.edu 

 

Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.