Speaker and Program: Dr. Kathy Collins, URI Vice President for Student Affairs, introduced by Dennis McLeavey

 

Dr. Collins came to URI in 2016 from Michigan State University. She oversees a large number of areas, including Student Life, Dean of Students, Memorial Union and Student Activities, Counseling, Housing, Dining, the Bookstore, Health Services, Recreation, and Special Programs, not to mention being Covid lead. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Juniata College and her Ph. D. In Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green University. Her topic was food insecurity among college students.

 

Food insecurity and homelessness among students are on the rise nationally, including in Rhode Island. In 2020, 39% of college students nationwide reported experiencing food insecurity within the previous month; at URI the number was 20%. Kathy explained that the college experience is different today from past generations. A larger proportion of students live off campus, and meal plans are not required. As URI has grown, the campus has added housing, but currently some 10,000 students live off campus. Surprisingly, one of the most affected groups is student athletes. Contrary to stereotypes, most athletes do not have full scholarships.

 

URI has responded to students’ needs in several ways. It has created a “Students First” fund to help with urgent needs for food, rent, and family emergencies, which distributes $120,000 to $140,000 per year. The University has a food pantry located at St. Vincent’s Church. Students on meal plans can donate their unused meal points to others in a “Swipe for Hope” program. Kathy has recently hired two case managers they call the “life happens” staff, helping students cope with problems.

 

Kathy explained that the bigger problem is that as state funding for URI has decreased from 100% in the 1960s to 10% today, the University has increased tuition to fill the gap. Many students and their families struggle to pay the bills. Although the University distributes $100 million annually in financial aid (not including Pell grants), students are left with $70 million of unmet need. Sometimes an amount as small as $500 can prevent a student from graduating. The University’s current fundraising campaign is raising money for scholarships to address students’ financial needs. Another bright spot is the first federal stimulus bill brought $5 million to the campus for additional financial aid.

 

In response to questions about how to collaborate with the University around these issues, Kathy mentioned supporting the food pantry and a new male empowerment network for vulnerable students. She welcomed people to contact her at kmcollins@uri.edu.