Intent to Raise Questions Responses from March 28, 2017 questions

Questions from Senate re: Emergency Intervention Program (responses to follow-up questions from Emergency Intervention Task Force presentation on 3/28/17) Emergency Grants It is correct that the current grant program requires that students have “exhausted all sources of financial assistance and aid, which includes grants and student loans.”  This has been an eligibility requirement that the sub-committee has had continued discussions around and, at this time, feel that it is appropriate to continue under the current process; however, Vice Presidents Ipach and Sawyer have asked that the sub-committee reevaluate the entire grant process – this will take place over the summer. 

Questions from Senate Re: Emergency Intervention Program Emergency Grants, continued: The sub-committee will be looking at how the process has functioned over the course of the spring semester and will be making recommendations to the Vice Presidents to possibly change the existing grant process, establish a new grant with different restrictions, etc. Any changes made will be implemented for the fall semester.  As the process is evaluated, we will certainly voice the concern that was raised at the Senate meeting regarding the financial aid eligibility requirement.

Questions from Senate Re: Emergency Intervention Program Food Pantry The CI Food Pantry is always in need of additional food and hygiene products and donations are always welcome. There was a slight misunderstanding between our campus food service team regarding our available food supply for the CI Food Pantry. While Food Share is willing to assist us, there are a number of guidelines and steps required to obtain food from them. Our campus is not ready to accomplish all those steps at this time. Unfortunately, our food services team thought we were receiving Food Share items and hence thought we didn’t need their assistance. The food services team has now promised to assist the Food Pantry in obtaining additional resources.

Questions from Senate Re: Emergency Intervention Program Emergency Housing The Emergency Housing Sub-committee has considered students with families in our planning and realize that they are not able to stay on campus in our accommodations.  Thus, we would use a local motel in such instances since on campus housing wouldn’t be appropriate.  We would use the emergency fund to cover that cost (at this point).  The committee intends to have the list of shelters posted by mid-April.  Some accommodate families and some do not.