Enhanced Student Emergency Fund
To The New School Community,
We recognize that our students are not only facing significant economic hardships as a result of COVID-19, but also for many this disruption has exacerbated existing challenges and created new ones. During this extraordinarily difficult time, we must be more focused than ever on providing extra support for our students and to helping those who are facing specific unanticipated challenges.
I’m pleased to announce that we have significantly increased the Student Emergency Fund, making nearly $3 million available to assist even more students with rapid-response financial support. With so many affected by this crisis, we have updated the Emergency Fund guidelines to be more accessible, flexible, and efficient. Our goal is to make it easier for students to apply for emergency funds and to receive those funds without delay. We are also using this opportunity to reflect what we’ve learned from the Campus Climate Assessment, by prioritizing emergency funding for students with the greatest needs and vulnerability.
Our enhanced Student Emergency Fund is made possible by generous donations from New School trustees, alumni, faculty, and staff. Many of the deans and members of the President’s Leadership Team have made personal contributions, as did I; this became a priority for me as The New School’s incoming president in this unprecedented time. These gifts build on funds that are now being made available through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and have been added to the Student Emergency Fund for direct support of our students.
We are all dealing with so many issues—personally and professionally—during this time of great uncertainty. We are having to rise to challenges none of us anticipated and that are unlike anything we’ve experienced in our lifetimes. We hope that the Student Emergency Fund is one of many active resources that can provide some tangible support and peace of mind for our students who are working hard despite these challenges to advance their studies and stay connected with our New School community.
Please watch for information from the Office of Student Success tomorrow. Their communication will include specific details, guidelines, and answers to common questions about how to access the Student Emergency Fund.
Meanwhile, please accept my well wishes for each of you and your loved ones. And continue to keep each other safe.
President Dwight A. McBride