Dear Colleagues,
In 2016, Joe Baggot (Associate Dean of Students) and Julia Strand (Associate Professor of Psychology) led a group of faculty, staff, and students to explore challenges and opportunities for low-income and first-generation students at Carleton. The working group’s final report included a set of thoughtful and practical recommendations, including creating a more transparent and robust emergency funding process, providing a mechanism for students to have laptop loaners, and enhancing academic break resources for students. See the full report.
In the past three and a half years, many of these recommendations have been realized. Through a new online emergency funding process, we have distributed more than $215,000 to nearly 300 students. This emergency funding has assisted with such expenses as medical and dental bills, winter gear, and emergency travel to and from home. In partnership with ITS, approximately 60 laptops have been loaned to students.
Finally, for the past three years, more than 80 faculty and staff have hosted nearly 100 meals for students during winter break. Because of the generosity of faculty, staff, and alumni, the Carleton Cupboard has served more than 300 students and distributed nearly 4,000 pounds of food to Carls.
I am grateful to Joe and Julia for their vision as we continue to implement the recommendations of their working group,
With gratitude for all you do,
Carolyn H. Livingston, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students