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Student Affairs LMU.edu
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A group of students cheering and singing for the performer at the annual ASLMU Fallapalooza concert.

Be a Lion Fund

Student Affairs proudly established the Be a Lion Fund to extend support to students who may encounter financial barriers to their chosen extracurricular activities. Connecting with others outside of the classroom is an important part of the LMU experience; every student should be able to participate, explore their passions, and take advantage of the full spectrum of engagement at LMU.

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Financial challenges associated with participation in student organizations, events, and programs may hinder students' full engagement in these valuable experiences that set LMU apart. The Be a Lion Fund has been established to provide financial assistance to students by eliminating obstacles that may impede participation in LMU's vibrant student life.

The Be a Lion Fund only applies to experiences through LMU Student Affairs. Experiences tied to academics or outside of the university are not eligible for funding.

Be a Lion applications will be reviewed starting Jan. 8, 2024 and are accepted on a rolling basis. Students may apply for funding for one experience each year to receive up to $500. Students can apply for funds anytime, but will only be eligible to receive funding up to 3 times during their time at LMU.

The application process steps include:

  1. Online Application
  2. Notification of Decision
  3. Fund Distribution and Confirmation

Have questions? Contact the Be a Lion Fund committee.

The Be a Lion Fund helps support students by covering:

Two female students pose in front of a table at the student involvement fair.

Registered Student Organization Dues

Student leaders in their Service Organization sweaters pose outside for a photo.

Service Organization Dues

Sorority and Fraternity Life Dues

Three female students sit at the student involvement fair and one is holding an orange basketball.

Club Sports Equipment and Competition Fees

Two students pose for selfie on a hike to the Hollywood Hills.

Outdoor Adventure Fees

Students in the Emergency Medical Services group pose with their flag on the steps of the chapel.

EMT Certification

Students and staff pose outside on the Alternative Breaks immersion experience to Morocco.

Alternative Breaks Immersions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All undergraduate and graduate students can submit an application for the 2024 spring semester. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

  • You are eligible to apply for Be a Lion funding if you are a current LMU student (undergraduate and graduate) and currently eligible for need-based financial aid. If you are an international student who does not receive need-based financial aid, please email bealion@lmu.edu to see if you are eligible.

  • Yes. Students who qualify for financial aid, scholarships, assistantships or athletic team scholarships are eligible to receive funding.

  • Yes, you can apply for funding for organizations that you plan to join or have not yet paid dues for. If you are applying for funding for Sorority and Fraternity Life and/or Service Organizations, but you have not yet affiliated with a chapter or organization, select “Not yet in a chapter or organization, but I plan on joining.”

  • Be a Lion funding is awarded to students, not for organizations, so the funds should directly apply to the cost of the recipient’s participation.

    For example, if an organization has dues of $800 and a Be a Lion recipient is awarded $500 for participation in that organization, then that student should not be expected to pay more than $300 in dues to that organization (the student may pay less than $300 if they receive supplemental financial assistance from the organization).

    If you believe an organization is misusing Be a Lion funds, please email the Be a Lion committee at bealion@lmu.edu. Funds cannot be used to cover costs that are not included in the organization’s dues.

  • All Be a Lion recipients will be notified via email. Be a Lion funds will be distributed to Student Affairs departments to apply to organization dues, trip fees, etc.

  • The maximum award amount is $500 for an individual student.

  • Many organizations have an internal financial assistance program to help students cover the costs of participation. For the 2023-24 academic year, the maximum Be a Lion award is $500 per recipient.

  • Be a Lion is funded by donations from LMU alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and current students. Learn more about fundraising and how to donate here.

Experiences Not Covered by the Be a Lion Fund

  • Academic course costs including travel,
  • Study Abroad
  • Other travel such as university holidays or breaks
  • Passport fees
  • Student Visa/OPT fees
  • Tuition or fees
  • Textbooks or supplies
  • Laptops/Tablets
  • Cell Phones and/or mobile devices
  • Housing/Rent
  • Bikes and/or scooters
  • Health service fees

*Many of these costs are or can be covered through the Lion Emergency Fund application.