University of Houston Staff Complete Gardner Institute Emergency Aid for Basic Needs Academy
DSA News
June 25, 2024
The University of Houston (UH) announces the successful completion of the Emergency Aid for Basic Needs Academy by a dedicated team of staff members. This academy, hosted by the Gardner Institute, is designed to equip institutions with the knowledge and tools necessary to create and enhance Emergency Aid programs that address students’ basic needs.
Over five weeks, from April 11 to May 23, the UH Institutional Team engaged in an intensive online experience. They explored the foundational elements essential to Emergency Aid for Basic Needs programs at colleges and universities, including financial models, fundraising strategies, and data collection analysis. This academy drew from extensive research and existing programs nationwide and laid the groundwork for the team to conduct a thorough institutional audit. The team is now equipped with a comprehensive strategy, and a Plan/Do/Study/Act Plan, for effective implementation on our campus.
The University of Houston team members who completed this program are:
- Michael Crook, Director, Center for Student Advocacy and Community
- Ted Ingwerson, Associate Director, Student Housing and Residential Life
- Raven Jones, Director, Center for Student Empowerment
- Tyrone Jimmison, Chief Development Officer, University Development
- Keith T. Kowalka, Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs
- Patrick Lukingbeal, Executive Director, Integrated Enrollment Services
- Juliet Ogbonna, Care Manager, Center for Student Empowerment
These individuals, representing diverse areas across campus, have completed the academy, and are now poised to bring the learning from the academy to campus. They will continue to work together to enhance our support systems for students in need, with a focus on creating new resources that will help us better serve our students’ basic needs. This commitment to student welfare is one of the many ongoing efforts across campus that underscore the University of Houston's dedication to student success.
"It has been great to work with professionals across different functional areas on campus to work towards a common goal. The varied perspectives and extensive expertise within the group makes me excited to see the final product,” said Michael Crook. "We still have much more work to do, and although the emergency grant is not currently available, the team looks forward to applying what we have learned to create a new resource that will help us better serve our students' basic needs during an emergency."
The University of Houston is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. The insights and strategies developed through the Emergency Aid Academy will be crucial in advancing this mission.
For more information about the Emergency Aid for Basic Needs Academy or the team’s commitment to student support, please contact Michael Crook at macrook@uh.edu.
About the Gardner Institute: The John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education is a non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with colleges, universities, philanthropic organizations, educators, and other entities to increase institutional responsibility for improving outcomes associated with teaching, learning, retention, and completion. Through its efforts, the Institute will strive to advance higher education’s larger goal of achieving equity and social justice. Their Emergency Aid for Basic Needs Academy equips institutions with the strategies necessary to support students facing financial and basic needs insecurities.
About the University of Houston: The University of Houston is a comprehensive public research university dedicated to student success and research excellence. Located in Houston, Texas, it serves a diverse population and is committed to providing high-quality education and fostering a community of innovation and collaboration.
Written by Michael Crook, Director of the Center for Student Advocacy and Community – Student Affairs