51ԹϺ opened its first Student Support Spot today to provide food packages; toiletry items; and on-the-spot, in-person guidance to students facing basic needs challenges such as food, housing, and transportation insecurity, along with needs related to mental health, child care, and digital access.
The Student Support Spot is located at the University Gateway Building, 4700 S. Maryland Pkwy., on the second floor in the Welcome Center. The space will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A survey led by 51ԹϺ’s Student Basic Needs Committee found that 54 percent of 51ԹϺ students identified at least one basic need that impedes their academic progress.
This first Student Support Spot is jointly hosted by the 51ԹϺ Graduate College and Career Services in cooperation with the Office of Service Learning and Leadership. Additional locations may be developed over time at other campus locations depending on demand for services.
At the Gateway Student Support Spot, students with food insecurity needs can access two types of nonperishable food packages – one with food items that are ready to consume (don’t require cooking or heating) and one with food items that require minimal preparation (boiling, microwaving, etc.). All food packages are provided by the 51ԹϺ Food Pantry.
Staff at the Student Support Spot can guide students in accessing online resources for technology loan programs as well as reduced-cost internet services and bus passes. They will also provide information on a variety of other basic needs services, including how to access campus mental health services and how to request additional assistance.
The organizers of the Student Support Spot are working closely with the 51ԹϺ Student Basic Needs Committee, which seeks to develop programs supporting students with basic needs issues, and the 51ԹϺ Support Team, which connects students to academic support, and wellness services, including housing, food, or financial insecurity resources.
“Our hope is that we can help students access basic needs services on the spot,” said Valarie Burke, assistant dean of graduate student services. “We want to make sure that all students know that these services are available and that they are easily accessed. We are working to ensure our students have support and guidance in person if they seek it.”
Students will find a list of basic needs resources on the Student Support website, which includes the “How can we help?” form that students can complete to request specific assistance.
Take What You Need Events
In addition to the regular operation hours of the Student Support Spot, the Office of Service Learning and Leadership also offers monthly “Take What You Need” pop-up events throughout each semester in an effort to support student success. The next pop-up events are scheduled for Oct. 17 and Nov, 15, 2022, in Student Union 208 A & B.
Donations are accepted throughout the semester at the front desk in SU 316. Examples of items needed include:
- New/unused hygiene items: Antibacterial soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, shavers, shaving cream, deodorant, sanitary napkins, tampons, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, toilet paper, and paper towels
- Clean bedding: Sheets, pillowcases, blankets, pillows
- School supplies: Backpacks, notebooks, writing utensils
- Kitchen items: Small appliances, pots, pans, plates, bowls, utensils.
Or you can use Service Learning's for those interested in donating by purchasing needed items.
