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Basic Needs Resources for Students

ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø is committed to supporting all students in meeting their basic needs. The Basic Needs Committee helps fulfill the University's commitment to diversity, while actively addressing systemic barriers and disparities in our community. This committee focuses on food, financial and clothing insecurities, as well as other resources, through the following avenues:

  • Emergency Grants:ÌýProviding in-time assistance with current or upcoming emergency expenses that are not included in the standard cost of attendance.
  • Food Insecurities:ÌýProviding support with temporary on-campus dining and a mobile food pantry each semester.
  • Career Closet:ÌýProviding students access to free professional clothing appropriate for career fairs, interviews, networking events and the workplace.
  • Preferred Name:ÌýProviding instructions on how to change your preferred name, which will be on display in Workday, SpartanLearn (powered by Canvas), on class rosters and your Spartan Card.Ìý

To learn more, emailÌýCDO@ut.edu

Committee Members:

  • Thomas Witherspoon, Chief Diversity Officer; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Provost's Office, and Office of Student Affairs
  • Lorie Kittendorf, Senior Director, DEI Planning & Assessment; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Deb Tritt, Director of Student Care and Advocacy, Operations
  • Caitlyn Hurley, Non-Clinical Case Manager, Operations
  • Emilie Morris, Coordinator of Student Competency Development Programs, Office of Student Leadership and Engagement
  • Gina Firth, Assistant Vice President for Wellness, Office of Student Affairs
  • Jackie Galzerano, Director, Financial Aid

Resources

  • The Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) has established the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Emergency Grant to assist currently enrolled students with urgent, unanticipated expenses. The fund is designed to assist students with recent or upcoming emergency expenses, such as: travel expenses relating to emergency situations (such as the death of a relative); extra basic living expenses needed due to fire, destruction or natural disaster; replacement of stolen goods (not lost due to negligence); and emergency medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance.Ìý
  • Students may request this emergency funding by completing the . Typically, grants will be limited to $600 per academic year and priority will be given to students with significant financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Funding availability is limited to expenses incurred during terms in which the student is enrolled.