Embedded Files
Building community together, through empathy and empowerment.
College is a time of significant adjustment that requires students to adapt to their new academic environment, in addition to navigating life. Our administration will advocate for resources that will teach basic life skills and help prepare students for life post graduation. We believe that your student experience should be shaped by you, our goal is to support and empower students so that they are enabled with the skills necessary to succeed.
Advocate to accept Food Stamps/SNAP benefits at the dining halls and on-campus markets; combating food insecurity for students
Advocate to accept Food Stamps/SNAP benefits at the dining halls and on-campus markets; combating food insecurity for students
Background
"Prior to the pandemic, a staggering 30 percent of all college students experienced food insecurity at some point in their college careers. According to the most recent Hope Survey from fall 2020, 38 percent of students in two-year colleges and 29 percent of students at four-year colleges reported experiencing food insecurity in the previous 30 days. The report also highlighted significant racial and ethnic disparities: 75 percent of Indigenous, 70 percent Black, and 70 percent of American Indian or Alaska Native students experienced food insecurity, housing insecurity or homelessness, compared to 54 percent of White students." (Health Affairs)
Overview & Implementation
With expanded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility for college students, we believe that it would be beneficial for all W&M dining halls and markets that take dining dollars to also accept Electronic Benefits Transfers/Food Stamps. This would assist with students residing off-campus and not enrolled in dining plans to help prevent food insecurity. We would accomplish this through conversations with the Dean of Students Office and Auxiliary Services, the administrator for Dining Dollars, to advocate for this change.
Sources:
https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/snapcollege.cgi
https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/forefront.20220127.264905
https://studentsagainsthunger.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Hunger_On_Campus.pdf
https://hope4college.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/RCReport2021.pdf
Advocate for reduced and free printing costs
Advocate for reduced and free printing costs
Overview & Implementation
We believe that printing costs can create barriers and inequities to a student's ability to succeed. In order to promote support all students on campus, we would advocate for reduced printing costs and convenience fees for Express. Our administration would also look into subsidies, free printing for resumes, and sponsoring free-use printers throughout campus on a first-come first-serve basis.
Sources:
https://www.wm.edu/offices/it/services/printing/printcharges/
Explore the implementation of digital TribeCards
Explore the implementation of digital TribeCards
Overview & Background
By having digital student IDs it provides more accessible and ease of life for students in a multitude of ways. By introducing digital ID cards to mobile devices, life would become easier and open other mobile identifications for students.
Implementation & Action Items
Speak to the Dean of Students Office and Information Technology Department to see the process of introducing this system. Discuss using the Digital ID system which allows interchangeable use of the physical ID card and a virtual alternative.
Sources:
Page updated
Report abuse