Addressing Students' Basic Needs with a Culture of Caring | Sara Goldric-Rab

TL;DR

Students face significant challenges due to the new economics of college, including rising tuition, limited job opportunities, and reduced access to social safety nets, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transcript

[Applause] [Applause] hi everyone i'm so happy to be here with you today i am coming to you from philadelphia and i'm thrilled to be able to help to kick off this event and talk about these really important issues with my fellow educators as we face an extraordinary moment and try to think about going back to teaching with students who are going th... Read More

Key Insights

• 😮 The pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing challenges in higher education, including rising tuition and racial disparities in basic needs insecurity.
• 😀 Students are facing financial instability, job loss, and reduced access to public benefits, which are impacting their ability to afford college and succeed academically.
• 🖐️ Faculty can play a crucial role in supporting students by acknowledging their challenges, providing personalized support, and directing them to resources.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some of the challenges faced by students in higher education during the pandemic?

Students are experiencing higher rates of food and housing insecurity, job loss, and reduced access to public benefits due to eligibility criteria. These challenges have been worsened by the pandemic and its economic impact.

Q: How are racial disparities affecting students' experiences in higher education?

Racial disparities in basic needs insecurity have been pronounced, with African-American students facing higher rates of food and housing insecurity compared to their white counterparts. These disparities mirror the racial gap in college completion rates.

Q: What can faculty members do to support students during this challenging time?

Faculty can be mindful of their language and tone, acknowledge students' stress and basic needs, and provide personalized support through strategic emails. They can also direct students to resources, such as emergency aid programs, and normalize conversations about financial struggles.

Q: How can colleges and universities address the financial challenges faced by students?

Institutions should support students in accessing public benefits and expand emergency aid programs. They should also advocate for policy changes, such as suspending work requirements for SNAP benefits and making public higher education more affordable and accessible.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The pandemic has highlighted and worsened existing challenges in higher education, such as rising tuition costs and racial disparities in basic needs insecurity.

• Students are facing increased financial instability, job loss, and difficulties in accessing public benefits.

• There is a need for colleges and universities to provide more support for students, including emergency aid, while also advocating for policy changes to address systemic issues.