ATHENS, W.Va. – Concord University has been selected one of at least 100 colleges and universities across the country to participate in the Emergency Aid During the Pandemic project. Being undertaken by the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice at Temple University, the project will help institutions learn how they can better address instances of student need on campus.
Food and housing insecurities experienced by students are among the basic needs insecurities that are being addressed. According to the Hope Center, “these issues are even more prevalent during the pandemic.”
The project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to assist schools by “codifying processes so they can more equitably, and more efficiently administer emergency aid and ensure student success.”
Dr. Sarah Beasley, Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students, explains that participating in the project will provide data that should prove especially useful in better serving the university’s students. She said the information could also assist in fundraising for scholarships and building upon programs that Concord had in place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that address student need. These include an on-campus food pantry and the Gap Fund which provides small grants to undergraduates who have high unmet financial need or who find themselves in a financial situation that may lead to their dropping out of college.
As part of CU’s participation in the Emergency Aid During the Pandemic project, students and staff will be asked to complete surveys about need and emergency aid programs.
Concord will in turn receive information about how other U.S. colleges and universities are delivering emergency aid and receive an institution-specific report about student need and access to emergency aid. Additionally, as a participant, Concord will receive data based recommendations on how to better deliver emergency aid.
Persons with disabilities should contact Nancy Ellison, 1-304-384-6086 or 1-800-344-6679 extension 6086, if special assistance is required for access to an event scheduled by the University on campus.
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CONTACT:
Sarah M. Pritchett
Concord University
Office of Advancement
PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712
(304) 384-6312, news@concord.edu
http://www.concord.edu
After 4 p.m.
pitzer@concord.edu
Office: 304-384-5211
Cell: 304-320-6405