The DukeLIFE Barra Family Emergency Fund provides eligible Trinity and Pratt undergraduate students financial support to assist with unforeseen and unexpected expenses. It is designed to cover expenses not covered by financial aid or other Duke resources.
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 eligible?
The fund is designed to cover unforeseen, unexpected, and urgent expenses that may arise during the fall and spring semesters.
- Emergency medical expenses: Medications and medical expenses not covered by a health insurance plan and related to emergency medical care.
- Emergency travel expenses: Airfare or ground transportation for unexpected travel related to the major illness or death of an immediate or custodial family member or guardian.
- Other: Another emergency unanticipated and unexpected expense.
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.
FAQ
No. We are unable to refund you for costs already incurred.
You can expect to receive a response from our team via email within two business days
We anticipate making awards up to $400. We will also consider applications requesting higher amounts.
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