The Spartan Completion and Emergency Fund application is a centralized application for most resources dedicated to supporting undergraduate Spartans facing financial hardship related to educational expenses, essential needs concerns, unexpected/unforeseen health challenges, and emergency situations. This application will route information through the appropriate channels, including the Office of Financial Aid, to get your information to the best lines of support as quickly as possible.
Our review process involves intentional collaboration to ensure you are considered for any funding opportunities for which you may be eligible. We aim to review applications and notify you of decisions within one week, but this timeline may vary depending on the complexity of your situation and the availability of resources. If you have an urgent need, we encourage you to apply and reach out to discuss your circumstances so we can explore additional resources together. If we require any supplemental materials or have any clarifying questions for you, a member of the Strategic Retention Unit will contact you. If you have questions about your application, please reach out to the Strategic Retention Unit at retention@msu.edu.
Retention funds are short-term resources intended to address acute, unexpected needs that threaten a student’s ability to stay enrolled, such as emergencies or sudden completion barriers. They are not ongoing financial support, they are not an institutional scholarship, they do not offset tuition costs, and they typically cannot be used for anticipated or long-term gaps in affording tuition or other institutionally-defined cost of attendance categories (e.g., food and housing, classroom materials). While awards vary, requests of $5,000 or more are unlikely to be approved, as the fund is designed to provide limited, immediate assistance.
As addressed above, our goal is that we will review all applications and provide a decision to you within one week of receiving your application. The awards are applied to your student account and will be returned to you as a refund if there is a surplus on your account. Refunds are disbursed to students' financial institution on Wednesdays and students can expect to see that refund within their personal account within 1 - 2 business days.
Several MSU colleges and departments participate in the centralized application process. This makes the process much easier for students who need help. Rather than navigating a complex landscape of institutional funds and needing to know who to ask for help in each office, students can complete one application and be considered for any funds they may be eligible for.
Participating MSU partners include:
You will receive an email from retention@msu.edu after review of your application has been completed.
The Michigan State University Strategic Retention Unit is committed to ensuring that every student admitted to MSU has the opportunity to learn, thrive, belong, and graduate. Guided by MSU’s strategic goal of achieving an 86% graduation rate with no opportunity gaps by 2030, the unit takes a holistic, campus-wide approach to student retention and success. Initially established in 2022 with two Strategic Retention Managers, the team has since grown to include two additional Strategic Retention Coordinators, reflecting MSU’s deepened commitment to this mission.
The Strategic Retention Unit reports to the Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Student Success. The team’s work is rooted in a multidisciplinary framework that integrates principles of social work, such as empathy, advocacy, and individualized support, to understand each student's unique context and help them navigate challenges. They are dedicated to auditing university policies and addressing institutional barriers that may hinder student retention, while also providing direct support to students facing difficult situations. By prioritizing genuine connection and advocating for and with students, the team ensures that students feel seen, supported, and empowered to persist through obstacles.
In addition to helping students overcome immediate challenges, the Strategic Retention Unit emphasizes proactive approaches to retention and persistence. Through intentional policies, practices, programs, and supports, they strive to create an inclusive environment where all students can succeed. Whether addressing systemic barriers or offering individualized care, the team’s mission is clear: to foster a culture of belonging and opportunity that enables every Spartan to reach their full potential.
Students will be notified if their application is denied. If the student's request is denied for this funding assistance, students should explore the "Are there any other funding resources I can apply for?" section. Students can also explore additional scholarships, grants, and private loans on the Office of Financial Aid website.
To receive additional support from the Strategic Retention Unit or to refer a student, complete the form below.
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