Frequently Asked Questions

Basic needs GRant

How do I qualify for the Basic Needs Grant?

Basic Needs Grant

How do I qualify for the Basic Needs Grant? The Basic Needs Grant is a last resort source of funding for students who experience an unforeseen financial hardship and are unable to resolve their financial difficulty through grants, scholarships, loans, or other Financial Aid awards. Students must demonstrate how the nature of their unforeseen hardship impacts them financially and their ability to continue at CSUF. All Basic Needs Grant requests are reviewed by the Care Review Committee. 

Students must provide documentation that reflects the eligible unpaid basic needs expenses for  which they request a grant. Eligible unpaid basic needs expenses include: 

    • Housing/rental costs.
    • Utilities (gas, electricity, water, etc.)
    • Vehicle expenses/repairs.
    • Cell phone/internet costs.
    • Medical expenses. 
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How many times can I apply for a Basic Needs grant?

Priority is given to students who request a Basic Needs Grant for the first time. Students who have previously received a basic needs grant may submit an online request form, which might be reviewed by the Care Review Committee. 

What types of expenses are not covered by the Basic Needs grant? 

Ineligible expenses include but are not limited to: 

  •  Full or partial tuition and fees. 
  • Parking permits or parking tickets. 
  • Study abroad costs. 
  • Prior debt to the University, including debt to Housing and Residential Engagement.
  • Legal representation.
  • Entertainment, recreation, or other non-essential expenses.  
  • Credit card bills or other debts such as loans.
  • Reimbursement for previously paid basic needs expenses.  
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FOOD ASSISTANCE

How are students provided food assistance? 

Students must first submit an online request and then meet with Dean of Students staff at which time an assessment will be made. Food assistance is provided in several formats:

-Guest cards that can be redeemed at most on-campus dining locations
-Donated meals through the Gastronome
-Titan Bites: a messaging system that alerts students when excess food is available at the conclusion of campus catering events. This application sends text messages and alerts to students who opt-into the program through their account settings in the online portal.
-CalFresh: CSUF staff meet with students in need to determine eligibility for this benefit and can provide application assistance for support in applying for this benefit. For more information, please see our other resources page.
-Students can also be referred to the ASI Pantry or a full-service pantry near campus that provides food (including dairy and proteins) up to three times a month. For more information, please see our other resources page.
-For students who are place in temporary housing, meals are provided through the Gastronome for the duration they are housed.

How many guest cards can I receive?

Students are given a certain number of guest cards based on the assessment and the discretion of Dean of Students staff. Please note: guest cards are a short-term solution. Staff will work with students to connect them to CalFresh and other support services.

How many Gastronome meals can I receive?

Students who are eligible for Gastronome meals can receive up to two weeks of continual access to the Gastronome. Donated meals are added to students’ TitanCards. Please note: donated meals are a short-term solution. Staff will work with students to connect them to CalFresh and other support services.

Can I get a meal plan through Tuffy’s the Basic Needs Center?

No, Tuffy’s the Basic Needs Center does not provide meal plans. Rather, food assistance is provided primarily through Campus Dining guest cards, donated meals through the Gastronome, and the Titan Bites messaging system. Meal plans are offered through Housing and Residential Engagement.

Temporary housing

How does temporary housing work?

Students must first submit and online request and then meet with Dean of Students Care Services staff, at which time an assessment will be made to determine if the temporary housing request can be accommodated. Students with a qualifying unforeseen hardship are placed in a shared on-campus apartment. Meals are provided in the Gastronome for the duration of the placement.  

How long is temporary housing available?

Eligible students can be housed for up to three weeks while they seek long-term, stable housing. 

Is the temporary housing available to students with children or families?

Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate family members. Temporary housing is available only for currently enrolled and matriculated CSUF students.

How will I access meals through The Gastronome?

Meals are loaded on your TitanCard once your placement has been approved. You simply present your TitanCard to the attendant when you enter the Gastronome.

When do the meals on my TitanCard expire?

Meals at the Gastronome will expire when your housing placement ends.