SEC presents $100K gift to Vanderbilt for faculty, staff and students seeking tornado relief

The SEC Executive Committee has provided a $100,000 grant on behalf of the Southeastern Conference for disaster relief to aid Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff affected by the EF-3 tornado that struck Nashville and the surrounding area on March 3.

The funds will be distributed by Vanderbilt’s Employee Hardship Fund. Any student, faculty or staff member who has suffered a loss or hardship due to the March 3 tornado may apply for relief funds. In order to qualify, the following conditions must be met:

1. Vanderbilt University faculty or staff member who is currently employed by VU, and was employed on March 3, 2020; or
2. Vanderbilt University student on March 3, 2020, and had tornado damage/expenses (i.e., hotel, etc.); or
3. Non-stipend (benefits-eligible) Vanderbilt University postdoctoral scholar on March 3, 2020, and had tornado damage/expenses (i.e., hotel, etc.).

In addition, any student, faculty or staff who applies also must provide details about costs associated with expenses or damages incurred due to the tornado. The list of qualified disaster relief payments includes:

1. Reimburse or pay reasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses; and/or
2. Reimburse or pay reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for the repair or rehabilitation of a personal residence or repair or replacement of its contents.

To apply, visit the VU Tornado Relief Hardship Fund application.

Need help apart from tornado relief? The Employee Hardship Fund is available to faculty and staff year-round.

The Employee Assistance Program of Work/Life Connections-EAP is available to Vanderbilt faculty and staff, including full-time, part-time and Vanderbilt Temporary Services employees and their spouses. The EAP counseling services include problem assessment, short-term counseling and referrals to appropriate resources. All sessions are completely confidential. Examples of personal problems the EAP can help with include:

• alcohol and other drug abuse;
• a breakdown in family or other relationships;
• a distressing living situation;
• interpersonal conflict on the job;
• the death of a family member or close friend;
• health problems;
• emotional or psychological distress;
• career concerns;
• legal problems;
• financial difficulties;
• retirement concerns; and
• work tardiness or absenteeism.

EAP also can help an employee formulate a plan for expanding communication and personal interaction skills, which may impact other workplace issues.

Call Work/Life Connections-EAP at 615-936-1327 for a confidential appointment. You also may contact Human Resources for more information at 615-343-4788 or human.resources@vanderbilt.edu.