Supporting Campus Resources

While universities are primarily focused on providing academic education and training to their students, it's important for them to recognize that students have a variety of needs beyond just their academic requirements. By providing resources that are not strictly academic, universities can help students address some of the challenges and stressors they may face during their time at school.

For example, students may struggle with issues related to their physical and mental health, financial stress, career planning, and social adjustment to campus life. By providing resources that address these issues, universities can help students navigate these challenges and improve their overall well-being. The following list mentions some of the resources the campus must have to better serve the students.

Career resources
Universities should also provide career resources to students to help them plan for their future careers. These resources may include career counseling, job fairs, internship programs, resume and cover letter writing assistance, and networking events.

Health and wellness resources
Universities should provide resources to promote the physical and mental health of their students. These resources may include counseling services, health clinics, fitness centers, and wellness programs.

Financial resources
Universities should provide resources to help students manage their finances. These resources may include financial aid counseling, scholarships, work-study programs, and budgeting workshops.

Basic resources
Universities can support students' basic needs by providing affordable housing options on-campus or by negotiating affordable rental rates with local landlords. They can also establish food assistance programs such as food pantries, meal plans, or vouchers to help students access nutritious food and address food insecurity issues. Financial aid packages and emergency funds can also be provided by universities to help students cover unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or other emergencies. All of these initiatives can help alleviate the financial burden of students and ensure their basic needs are met.

Explore each subpage to learn more about each type of resource, which services to provide, how the university improve these services, and recommendations for optimizing access for students from all backgrounds.

Use student feedback to align campus resources with areas of need
While undergraduate students generally agree that their institutions offer adequate fitness facilities and internet, only around half agree that dining options are affordable and nutritious, and only a third say that their institutions offer affordable housing options. Addressing basic needs such as affordable housing and food insecurity is a critical challenge for many institutions, especially urban colleges and community colleges. Conducting resource and needs assessments with students can help institutions understand where gaps exist and make informed decisions about the allocation of resources to provide the best support.

Work together with faculty to identify opportunities
Instructors often challenge students to think and explore new ideas, but they may not assess individual student learner needs and discuss academic goals with them. Providing opportunities for students to develop deeper relationships with faculty, such as expanded office hours and small group sessions, can help improve student well-being, belonging, and retention. However, it's important to collaborate with faculty and consider their workload to avoid burnout.

Incorporate personal identity development into DEI training
Renowned authorities on the theory of college student development, such as Arthur Chickering and Marcia Baxter Magolda, highlight the significance of personal identity formation. By comprehending their own self more profoundly, students can better comprehend the world and their position in it. This is not just significant in the college setting but also during the post-college transition period, where self-awareness, openness to diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and productive discourse about delicate topics are critical aspects of a thriving society.

Grow connection and diverse interactions in residential settings
Creating social opportunities can decrease social isolation, a potential cause of depression and mental health problems, especially for minority students. Living-learning communities are a way to encourage social connections, but all students should have opportunities to participate in social activities like social outings, volunteer activities, and study groups.