This year, the executive council voted to allocate $50,000 of our member dues-generated funds to help alleviate some of the financial precarity our international members experience over the summer, particularly those with dependents. Typically, 50-100 applications are submitted to the fund each year, and disbursements have ranged from $300-$1300 based on the amount in the fund, number of applicants, and stated need (including summer employment status and responsibility for dependents). Funds are distributed equitably by the Mutual Aid Fund Committee, who reviews anonymized applications. All identifying applicant information is kept confidential.
If you are a GTFF member and international student facing financial hardship this summer, please fill out this form to apply for funds. Please note: these funds are only available to members of GTFF, the labor union for Graduate Employees at UO. You must have become a member no later than April 2023. If you’re unsure of your eligibility, contact Lissie and Pete at membership@gtff.net.
The application form will close at midnight on Friday, June 30, 2023, so that applications can be processed and payments sent out at the beginning of July. If you have questions or would like to know more about the Mutual Aid Hardship Fund, please contact Tom or Teresa at treasurer@gtff.net.
Note: While this particular fund is only for international GEs, both domestic and international GEs may be eligible for the Graduate Student Assistance Fund (if they have a qualifying event like a medical issue, new child, or childcare expenses). The university has also agreed to open this fund for $500 awards for summer international student support. GTFF secured consistent funds from UO for the Graduate Student Assistance Fund through our 2014 strike and contract negotiations, and GTFF members help manage the fund and screen applications.