Assisting Students with Basic Needs
Students are facing higher education costs, while grants and loans shrink. Some are food and housing insecure, homeless or one emergency away from dropping out. This affects their attendance, GPA, and overall sense of well-being.
Faculty and staff have a significant role to play in identifying students at risk for food and housing insecurity and providing referrals to resources.
One in three college students experience food insecurity.
Our students at OHIO are not immune to this issue, but there are resources available to help.
Recognizing Students in Need
Multiple factors may indicate that a student is experiencing homelessness or housing and food insecurity. Some students may be embarrassed or feel shame about their situation, so the extent of the situation might not be immediately clear.
Faculty and staff who understand warning signs and services offered will be more equipped to recognize and refer the student.
Verbal Cues
Not all students who experience these signs are housing or food insecure, as the signs may be due to other concerns, but these signs can often be indicators of a basic needs issue.
When a student talks about food, housing, finances and sleep:
- Listen for statements about a lack of or barriers to food, housing, finances, mental health or sleep
- Listen for vague language or downplaying of their situation
- Take statements about basic needs seriously, even if they seem casual and even if a student feels or acts normal about their situation
If you hear a student talk about a basic needs situation, follow up with them to check in and talk about resources available to them.
Warning Signs
Signs that can often be indicators of a basic needs issue:
- Inco