Financial Aid

Emergency Loans and Funds at UCR

The Kalyn Smith-Tranquil'son Memorial Fund is an emergency funding source for UCR students in good standing who have been temporarily or permanently cut-off financially from their families because of their sexual orientation, gender, perceived gender, or work with or for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Students of all sexual orientations and gender identities may apply for assistance.

Students receiving emergency aid from the Kalyn Smith-Tranquil'son Memorial Fund do not need to repay the funds while enrolled at UCR. Ms. Tranquil Calley, the founder of the fund, encourages recipients to donate back to the fund when they are financially able so that future UCR students will benefit.

Interest-free emergency loans of up to $500 are available in the Financial Aid Office for registered students on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may borrow no more than three times during an academic year. A student photo ID is required for identification and current quarter fees must be paid. Repayment is due within 30 days or by the end of the quarter, whichever comes first.

Independent  Status for UCR Financial Aid

LGBT students who lose parental financial support after "coming out" may need to establish independent status in order to receive additional financial aid. Each UC campus financial aid office has a student appeal process for adverse extenuating circumstances. The LGBT Resource Center Director or another third party may provide documentation of the estrangement and extenuating circumstances. Additionally, the student must demonstrate how they have been supporting themselves since the estrangement. Based upon a review of the appeal and documentation, the aid administrator may exercise "professional judgment" to declare the student independent.

Tuition Equity for Domestic Partners

The University of California offers tuition equity for domestic partners so that they have the same rights as married spouses. This includes changes to student financial aid. Students in California in registered domestic partnerships can be treated as independent from their parents for state-funded financial aid. Also, parents of dependent students who are in a domestic partnership may be treated like married parents for purposes of calculating an expected family contribution for state aid (this law does not change eligibility for federal aid). Students and parents who supply a copy of their domestic partnership certificate to the Financial Aid Office will be asked to provide additional information to the FAFSA. In turn, UC will calculate financial need equivalent to a married student/parent and provide funds accordingly.