The DukeLIFE Barra Family Emergency Fund provides eligible Trinity and Pratt undergraduate students with limited financial support for unexpected, urgent expenses that may affect their ability to remain enrolled at Duke and focus on their coursework.
The fund is intended to help with short-term emergency needs that cannot reasonably be planned for and are not covered by financial aid or other Duke resources. It is not intended to cover every emergency expense a student may experience.
Who is eligible to apply?
DukeLIFE undergraduates actively enrolled in Trinity or Pratt who have demonstrated high financial need as indicated in their need-based financial aid records are eligible to apply. The DukeLIFE office notifies all students who meet the financial eligibility criteria each academic year via email. Check your email for receipt of this communication to confirm you are eligible before applying.
Students may also email dukelife@duke.edu to inquire about their eligibility.
What expenses are typically eligible?
The fund is designed to cover unforeseen, unexpected, and urgent expenses that arise during the fall and spring semesters and that may create a significant barrier to a student's academic continuity.
Expenses that are typically considered include:
- Emergency medical expenses: Medications and medical expenses related to urgent or emergency care that are not covered by insurance.
- Emergency travel expenses: Airfare for unexpected travel related to the major illness or death of an immediate or custodial family member or guardian.
- Other: In limited cases, the fund may consider another unexpected and time-sensitive expense that directly affects a student's ability to remain enrolled and participate in coursework.
While we recognize that family circumstances may impact a student’s experience, the Fund can solely support the needs of an actively enrolled Duke student.
What expenses are generally not covered?
The fund is generally not intended to cover:
- Expenses that are planned, anticipated, or known in advance
- Costs that are not time-sensitive or urgent
- Travel related to individuals who are not immediate or custodial family members or guardians
- Routine, ongoing, or chronic fianncial challenges
- Non-essential expenses, fines, fees, or replacement of personal property
- Costs that may be addressed through other Duke and community resources
- Requests for reimbursement of expenses that have already been paid
Funding decisions are based on the fund's eligibility criteria and available resources, not solely on the personal significance of a situation.
FAQ
No. We are unable to reimburse costs that have already been incurred.
You can expect a response from our team by email within two business days.
We anticipate making awards up to $400, though requests for higher amounts may be considered.
Emergency aid funds will be placed in your Duke Bursar account once approved. If you do not owe a balance to Duke the amount will be refunded to you, and refunds are issued by direct deposit to your bank account. Direct deposits can be made to any U.S. financial institution where you have a checking or savings account. Please visit the Financials page in Duke Hub to add or manage your direct deposit information.
You will receive an automated e-mail from the Duke Employee Travel and Reimbursement Office when a refund has been processed. The email will let you know when to expect to see the funds in your account. Refunds typically take 3-5 business days to receive, but time may vary depending on your banking institution.
Other Resources
We want to ensure that you have the support you need during this challenging time. A staff member may reach out to you to better understand your situation and help you connect with the appropriate resources. The following campus partners are also eager to support you:
- CAPS: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers many services to Duke students, including telemental-health appointments. Any student can call 919-660-1000 to speak with someone, or for assistance with referrals in your local community.
- DukeReach: DukeReach will help you identify support services from among the variety of resources across campus or in your local community. You can contact DukeReach at 919-681-2455 or by emailing dukereach@duke.edu.
- TimelyCare: 24/7 telemental-health support to all students at no cost, through immediate and scheduled appointments. Visit BlueDevilsCare.duke.edu.
- Religious Life at Duke: Religious Life at Duke offers a wide range of student supports, whether or not you are connected to a religious tradition at all. Visit their website to connect with leaders from any of Duke’s diverse faith groups, all of whom are experienced in offering emotional and spiritual care, and a non-anxious presence with a humanistic listening ear, to all students.
- International students: Duke International Student Center, kevin.darco@duke.edu