Letter from the Assistant Dean of Students, Emily First

At Grand Valley State University, the CARE Team allows for a comprehensive and compassionate response to students facing a wide variety of concerns. The CARE Team provides case management services to students whose concerns are of a more persistent and complex nature and operate under the belief that resolving difficult student issues is best accomplished through a coordinated team effort. We all know that life outside of the classroom can impact life inside of the classroom and so we want to provide opportunities for support concerning those unexpected life situations that could potentially cause a major barrier to a student’s success. 

One of the ways our CARE Team helps support students is through the use of the Dean of Students Emergency Funds. The Dean of Students Emergency Fund was set up as a strategic support effort to help students facing a small one time financial hardship that, if not met, could cause a very negative impact on their schooling. The fund is only utilized after all other avenues of financial support are exhausted. We’ve developed this impact report to show you some of the ways this fund has been utilized to help our growing student population overcome financial barriers to success. And  we hope you will consider the opportunity to donate to the Dean of Students Emergency Fund as a way to make a lasting impact on the life of our students.

When we meet with a student who has a financial need, we first coach them on seeking out all other options of support first like speaking with the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to see if any additional aid can help with the need. Then, we will encourage the students to fill out the Financial Aid Hardship Grant or Special Circumstance form. We may know of other support like Replenish or nonprofits in the area that can help with the need more readily and so we might have the student start there. 

CARE also offers Case Management services, which just means we try to provide the student with as many options of support, specific to their situation so that the student knows there are options for support at a time when they might be overwhelmed or not sure where to find help/support.

Students can use the Dean of Students Emergency Fund to help pay for:

• Books and class materials such as:
  • Calculators
  • Lab manuals
  • Technology
     
• Small vehicle repairs
   
• Pair of glasses
   
• Small medical bills
   
• Meal plans or groceries (that Replenish cannot supply)
   
• Clothing
   
• Hygiene products & toiletries
   
• Other needs that can impede academics if unmet

Serving Lakers is Our Main Priority

The Dean of Students Emergency Fund is in place to help students facing financial hardship due to an unforeseen situation. The fund provides small, one-time immediate financial funds to students who have exhausted all other means of financial support.