Basic Needs

Student Advocacy and Assistance (SAA) is part of the Dean of Students Office and works to provide support to students whenever they may be experiencing difficulties, including, basic needs, academic probation, sexual assault, illness, domestic and relationship violence, grief, loss and more. SAA strives to provide guidance, explain relevant policies and procedures, connect students to applicable university and community resources, all while respecting students' rights to privacy within the confines of the law and university policy.

ASU Student Advocacy & Assistance supports students to ensure that those who have been affected by an unusual circumstance, and/or a troubling event, are provided with the support they need to reduce the impact in other areas of their life, including academics. Other support may include assistance with,

• Providing assistance and/or referrals for housing, academics, student employment, visa/immigration issues, financial aid and other areas.
• Providing one-on-one consultation to students seeking guidance in resolving educational and personal challenges.
• Providing assistance with academic difficulties as they relate to, course absence letters, course incompletes, course withdrawals, compassionate withdrawals, and medical withdrawals.
• Proactively educating the campus community on resources and support services available to assist students.

ASU Family Resources supports ASU student-parents through provision of appropriate resources, including child care referrals, financial assistance, breastfeeding support and collaboration with on and off campus organizations in the development and delivery of services. Study rooms and activity kits for children can be checked out in libraries on campus.

Financial Assistance:

• Child Care Financial Assistance Programs
• Sun Devil Child Care Subsidy 
• CCAMPIS Child Care Subsidy 
• Higher Education Child Care Subsidy for Education and Nursing Majors

Please visit the website for more information: https://eoss.asu.edu/students-families

You can start by checking out the financial aid resources to learn more about what is available at ASU. You can also visit a financial aid counselor at any of ASU’s  four campus locations on a walk-in basis, or contact 855-278-5080 (24/7) to learn more about Cost of Attendance, scholarships, responsible loan borrowing and more. In addition, Financial Aid and Scholarship Services offers an extensive ASU scholarship search.

ASU offers a wide range of financial literacy content and money management articles, activities and resources.

ASU offers iGrad money management tools for students to use for their financial well-being. Explore dozens of resources, including a budget worksheet, information about responsible loan borrowing and other financial aid topics. Great information and resources are also available on the ASU Adulting 101 website.

If your or your family’s financial situation has changed since you filed your FAFSA, you may want to submit the Parent Review form or the Student Income Reduction form.

Your cost of attendance (i.e., financial aid budget) is originally set to a standard amount based on a number of factors. You can request that Financial Aid and Scholarship Services review additional expenses by reviewing and submitting a student budget review.  

If you have any questions about these forms, you can visit a financial aid counselor at any of the four campus locations on a walk-in basis, or contact 855-278-5080 (24/7).

The FAFSA provides data that can assist ASU’s financial aid office in determining your financial need and award aid. Without it, you could miss out on aid.

What is the difference between a direct subsidized loan and a direct unsubsidized loan?

The subsidized loan doesn’t accrue interest while you are in school, whereas the unsubsidized loan does. These loans do not require immediate repayment until you graduate or drop below half-time status. Most students are offered a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans based on their FAFSA information. 

To learn more about financial aid and how to adjust your package, visit students.asu.edu/financial-aid.

If you or your family have experienced unforeseen financial hardship, you can speak with a staff member from the Dean of Students office by emailing deanofstudents@asu.edu. You should also reach out to a financial aid counselor.

Some examples of financial hardship may include:

• Job loss.
• Parent job loss.
• Housing issues.
• Medical expenses.
• Emergency expenses.
• Loss of scholarships.
• COVID-related hardships.

Some students may be unaware that they are food insecure. By answering the following questions, you can determine whether you may be food insecure. 

Thinking over the past 30 days, were the following statements often, sometimes, or never true? 

• The food that you bought just didn’t last, and you didn’t have money to get more.
• You couldn’t afford to eat balanced meals. 
• You cut the size of your meals or skipped meals because there wasn’t enough money for food.
• You ate less than you felt you should because there wasn’t enough money for food.
• You didn’t eat when you were hungry because there wasn’t enough money for food.

If you answered “often” or “sometimes” to two or more of the above questions, you may be experiencing food insecurity, with more affirmative responses indicating a greater likelihood and level of food insecurity.

(Questions were adapted from the USDA Food Security Short Scale.) 

If you believe you may be food insecure, you can meet with a member of the Dean of Students office by emailing deanofstudents@asu.edu to learn more. 

The Dean of Students Office can help explore available options and resources, as well as help connect with resources within and outside the ASU community to help you be successful. Contact the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@asu.edu or visit their website at https://eoss.asu.edu/dos. 

If you are lacking food resources, there are many ways in which you can receive assistance, including: 

• Students may also qualify for federal food assistance programs such as the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Learn more about how to apply to SNAP online. 

  • If you have questions about SNAP and whether you qualify, check out this Arizona Food Bank Network webpage: https://azfoodbanks.org/college/
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  • If you need assistance applying to SNAP, you can find an individual to help you complete the application virtually here: https://widget.getcoveredamerica.org/
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  • Reach out to the Dean of Students office, or Student Advocacy and Assistance, to learn about other resources that can provide guidance on the application. 
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  • Once you have SNAP, be sure to get double the value out of your SNAP benefits by using Double Up Food Bucks. 

• Food pantries in the local community that you can explore on the Arizona Food Bank Network website. Call the hunger hotline if you have trouble finding one: 602-528-3434.

  • There are several food pantry locations throughout the Phoenix Metro area. Call the location you’d like to visit ahead of time to see what they can provide you. Check out the Arizona Food Bank Network website for information on food pantry locations: https://azfoodbanks.org/get-food/.
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  • If you’re struggling to find a food pantry online, call the hunger hotline: 602-528-3434.
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  • Some large local food banks include United Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank, Matthew’s Crossing, St. Mary’s Food Bank, and St. Vincent de Paul.

• Student organizations, including the Pitchfork Pantry, are located at ASU; explore their webpage or their Instagram page for food pop-ups at ASU with fresh produce.

• There are community gardens and garden student organizations located at ASU, including the Garden Commons on the Polytechnic campus, as well as the Cultivate - Downtown Garden Club, located at the Downtown Phoenix campus. 

• If you have children:

  • If you are an expecting mother or have a child under 5, be sure to take advantage of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
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  • During COVID and over the summer you can get food for any child 18 and under at one of these locations.

The Pitchfork Pantry is a student organization food pantry that serves all ASU students. The Pitchfork Pantry serves to fight food insecurity and promote well-being, sustainability and food recovery. With the support of local community organizations, they provide packages containing a variety of hygiene products and non-perishable and fresh food items.

Visit their webpage at https://universitycollege.asu.edu/pitchfork-pantry or you can check out their Instagram page to stay up to date on their food distribution pop-ups at ASU.

If you are interested in helping support the Pitchfork Pantry, you can donate or find volunteer opportunities on their Instagram page. For monetary donations, you can visit this page. They also accept all unrefrigerated, non-perishable items, hygiene products, sanitary/cleaning products and water. You can email them at asupitchforkpantry@gmail.com.

ASU Health Services is dedicated to the well-being and educational success of each individual student by providing high-quality health care that is accessible and affordable. 

Learn more about the services offered, including same-day appointments, vaccines, STI testing, women’s health, x-rays, and more.

Regardless of whether students have health insurance or not, ASU students are eligible to use ASU Health Services. However, we strongly advise every student to maintain adequate health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses.

You can meet with a staff member from ASU Health services to explore health insurance options. Or check out some health coverage options on their website.

ASU Health Services on all four campus locations, and online, can offer students one-on-one guidance in selecting the health insurance plan that is right for them. Depending on your needs and financial situation, they can help you with navigating health insurance options. Call ASU Health Services at (480) 965-3349 or check out their hours and locations here.

ASU Health Services offers a Bridge service discount program designed to save students money if they need certain health services at the University. ASU Health Service's mission is to provide quality health care at low cost to the students at ASU. Even if you have health insurance, it may not cover everyday health expenses like preventive or routine visits, lab tests, x-rays or consultations with an on-campus specialist.

Learn more about the Bridge Service Discount Plan on the ASU Health Service website or visit a Health Services office location.

ASU Counseling Services is available for any Sun Devil, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, student status, religion, ability, size, financial situation, the issue you're dealing with or whether you've had counseling before. Something as simple as talking to someone can help you feel better, improve your grades and manage stress.

MySSP is an Open Call and Open Chat resource for ASU students to receive 24/7/365 mental health support. ASU Counseling Services Open Call and Open Chat offers simple access to connect with a mental health clinician about anything. 

All services at ASU Counseling Services are confidential and free of charge for ASU students attending any of the four metropolitan Phoenix campuses, including Open Call and Open Chat.

UMOM Youth Resource Center And Street Outreach Engagement Team: Provides supportive services for young adults ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness. Services include food, water, showers, hygiene and personal care items, and clothing. Also offers case management, housing navigation, and coordinated entry into housing programs. Open M-F, 12:00-3:30pm. 215 E University Dr  Tempe,  AZ  85281. 480-868-7527

You can speak with a staff member from the Dean of Students office or from Student Advocacy and Assistance. Student Advocacy and Assistance can provide outside resources for shelter and can also assist with reviewing your financial aid package.

Contact the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@asu.edu or visit their website at https://eoss.asu.edu/dos.

If you are experiencing trouble with affording your rent or utilities, check out Find Help Phoenix for a list of services and options in Maricopa County.

There are a number of ways Off-Campus Housing can assist, including connecting with off-campus partners and resources; Information on signing a lease and moving; Roommate relations and rental issues.

Additional information and resources:

ASU Student Media offers housing fairs each semester. For dates, information as well as off campus housing search engine visit: https://offcampushousing.asu.edu/

ASU Student Media Housing Guide offers additional tips, timeframes, resources and listings for those needing off-campus housing: https://issuu.com/statepressmagazine3/docs/digital-hg-2021

Do you have questions about off-campus housing?  Check out the Renter Education section of the ASU Off-Campus Housing website: https://offcampushousing.asu.edu/quiz

Do you have an issue with a landlord or apartment complex?  Submit your issue at the ASU Off-Campus Housing website: https://offcampushousing.asu.edu/quiz

The International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) helps international students in F-1 or J-1 student status with: maintaining their immigration status, academic integration concerns, cultural adjustment issues, and any other support they may need. 

Appointments are for complex issues and are limited to 30 minutes. You can schedule an advising appointment on our appointment bookings webpage. For more information about our express advising and appointment hours, please visit our Immigration Advising and Appointments web page.

Students can find information about housing, cell phones, bank accounts and other information in the International Student Guide: https://eoss.asu.edu/international-student-engagement/guide

The mandatory SEVIS New Student Check-in can only be completed after you have arrived in the United States (U.S.) and can only be completed 30 days prior to the semester start date. For more information, please visit our SEVIS New Student Check-in web page.

For instructions on how to access the eForm Self-Service Portal, please visit our eForm Portal web page.

F-1 students are generally allowed to work on-campus for a limited number of hours per week.

J-1 students must receive on-campus employment authorization from their Exchange Visitor Program Sponsors. Please see more information here.

If you need to apply for a social security number, please visit our Social Security Number webpage. If you are employed by ASU, Follett Bookstore or Aramark, you will need to have a certified employer offer letter approved by the ISSC.

For questions regarding taking classes outside ASU, please visit our web page about Additional Coursework outside ASU for more information.

Unfortunately, no staff member of ASU is able to provide personal assistance with the completion of tax compliance while in their official roles at ASU, including acting as tax consultants or providing tax advice related to the completion of the forms. For detailed instructions and forms you may need to file your tax returns, please visit our tax information web page.

Please use the following links for questions regarding off-campus employment options for F-1 students:

Pre-Completion OPT (Pre-OPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Post-Completion OPT (Post-OPT)

STEM OPT Extension

For questions regarding your tuition and fees, please contact Student Business Services for more information.

For questions regarding scholarships and/or financial aid, please contact Financial Aid and Scholarship Services. For more information please review the Financial Aid and Scholarship Services webpage. 

The ISSC can only remove holds that the ISSC places on your account. Please check the hold by clicking on the title to view instructions and to see who you must contact in order to have the hold removed.

For questions regarding completing your I-9 or Glacier paperwork, please contact Human Resources for more information.

For questions regarding your student financial account, please email Student Business Services at sponsorbilling@asu.edu. You may also review our website for more information. Remember that your financial guarantee on file with ASU must be valid at all times and your sponsor may not pay for all charges on your student financial account (e.g. parking, late fees, health services, Sun Card purchase, etc.)

The ASU LiveSafe mobile app is an additional resource for students. We encourage all students to download the app. Resources available through the app, include: 

• Send ASU Police tips, texts, pictures, video, audio, anonymously pertaining to information that may have regarding emergencies. 
• Alert emergency personnel in times of distress. 
• Contact 9-1-1 or call ASU Police dispatch. 
• Activate SafeWalk by texting friends and family during your commute across campus. 
• Request a ride from the Safety Escort Service. 
• Use Motorist Assist if locked out of your vehicle or your battery is dead. 
• Access crime alerts, bulletins and other messages and advisories. 

Four additional information regarding the ASU LiveSafe mobile app, please visit https://cfo.asu.edu/livesafe-mobile-app

Each ASU campus has blue emergency call boxes. Should students ever feel unsafe or should they become aware of an emergency situation, students may activate a call to emergency services by pressing the button on the call box.

ASU has put into place a Good Samaritan Protocol, to further advance our Community of Care. Under the Good Samaritan protocol, students and/or organizations that seek assistance for themselves or others should do so without fear of university disciplinary action.

Both students under and above the legal drinking age are expected to contact ASU Community Assistants, ASU Police, or seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1 when assistance is needed for an intoxicated/impaired student.

Learn more here: https://eoss.asu.edu/dos/safety/good-samaritan-protocol

Students can find a wide range of resources and support for sexual and relationship violence incidents. ASU has a robust sexual violence prevention and education program in addition to safety resources, including emergency blue-light call boxes on each campus, an ASU Safety Escort Service, and an ASU LiveSafe App you can download. Sexual violence response resources include immediate assistance, options for reporting, as well as confidential support and Victim and Survivor Advocates. ASU Victim Services is housed under ASU Health and Counseling Services and works in collaboration with the Sexual and Relationship Violence Prevention Program.

Students who are seeking confidential support to better understand resources and options following an experience of sexual or relationship or domestic violence can meet with a Victim Advocate. Victim Advocates are part of ASU Counseling and Health Services, and work with you to determine if you’d like to report the incident, seek medical assistance, get mental health support, and more. This service is not affiliated with ASU Police, and while a Victim Advocate can support you through the criminal justice process if you have a desire to do so, meeting with a victim advocate will not automatically initiate an investigation by the university or the police. They can be a good first-place to start if you feel uncomfortable or harmed by any experiences you have had, are unsure if you want to make a report, have questions regarding the resources available to you and more.

The Sexual and Relationship Violence Prevention Program provides the ASU community education for individual reflection and skills building, social marketing to reinforce positive community norms, and opportunities for structured involvement to contribute to violence prevention. Students can get involved with SRVP by attending Community Circles, serving as a peer support advisor for victims and survivors of sexual and relationship violence through the Sun Devil Support Network, attending the Sexual Violence Prevention Leadership Program, and more.  

Check out the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response website for more information on resources available.