Faculty and Classified Professionals Basic Need Resources | The Stand

Basic Needs Resources

Basic needs insecurity among community college students has been shown to negatively affect academic performance, persistence, and degree completion. Basic needs include reliable access to food, stable housing, transportation, technology and internet access, childcare, physical and mental health resources, and essential personal care items such as toiletries.

When students must devote significant time, energy, and financial resources to meeting these fundamental needs, they often have fewer resources available to focus on their education. Students experiencing basic needs insecurity may be more likely to work long hours, hold multiple jobs, experience financial hardship, face barriers to attending classes and completing coursework, and encounter challenges that can interrupt their educational goals. By connecting students with supportive resources and services, colleges can help reduce these barriers and promote student well-being, academic success, and degree completion.

Basic Needs Syllabi Language

Faculty can help by placing a notice on their syllabi or by adding a module on their canvas page providing student with the information on the resources available at the college for basic needs and student parents.

1. "Any student who faces challenges securing food, housing, childcare, or other basic needs, and believes these circumstances may affect their performance in this course, is encouraged to contact The Stand Basic Needs Resource Center located in K-106 for support. The Stand provides access to a variety of resources and referrals, including food assistance, housing support, and emergency resources. Student parents and caregivers may also benefit from services available through CalWORKs, CARE, and the Family Resource Center.

You can complete the Basic Needs Application online at www.sdmesa.edu/thestand. If you are comfortable doing so, please notify your professor. This will allow them to connect you with additional campus resources and support that may help you succeed academically while balancing personal and family responsibilities." (adapted using AI to include student parent language)

2. "Students who do not have access to sufficient food on a daily basis and/or are couch surfing, or do not have a stable place to sleep, please know that San Diego Mesa College is here to support you. We have several services including: access to food, toiletries and clothing at The Stand located in k-106; a free Farmer’s Market on the first Monday and third Thursday of every month; access to showers in the gym. Additional resources are available by contacting The Stand Basic Needs Resource Center at 619-388-5726, or filling out the Basic Needs Application online at www.sdmesa.edu/thestand. In addition, if you feel comfortable, please know I am here to assist you in securing resources." (Author C. Perkins)

3. "Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact The Stand Basic Needs Resource Center located in k 106 for support. You can also access the Basic Needs Application online www.sdmesa.edu/thestand .Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable them to provide any resources that they may possess." (paraphrased - Sara Goldrick-Rab)

Basic Needs Reports

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