Collaborating in a Crisis: Advancement, Student Affairs and Emergency Funding-Collaborating in a Crisis: Advancement, Student Affairs and Emergency Funding

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education presented an online webinar titled "Collaborating in a Crisis: Advancement, Student Affairs, and Emergency Funding." The speakers, Dr. Caitlin Crocetti and Vice President Rose Pascale from George Mason University, discussed their experience with managing emergency funding for students during the global pandemic.<br /><br />Dr. Crocetti, the Director of Advancement for University Life at George Mason University, shared details about their initial emergency funding process. They created a workflow, established policies, and managed a team responsible for reviewing and processing applications. They also worked closely with colleagues in Advancement and alumni relations to raise $970,717 in emergency funding in ten months.<br /><br />Vice President Pascale, responsible for university life at George Mason University, emphasized the importance of supporting students in crises. She highlighted the impact of financial difficulties on student retention and success. The emergency aid fund was designed to address these financial needs and prevent dropouts due to financial crises.<br /><br />The webinar discussed the four phases of their emergency funding process: assessment, planning, execution, and communication. They emphasized the student-centered approach, eligibility criteria, and funding sources. The speakers also highlighted the collaboration between student affairs and advancement in raising awareness and fundraising efforts.<br /><br />The importance of data collection, targeting marketing campaigns, and breaking down institutional silos were also addressed. Lessons learned from their experience included the need for continuous refinements, automating the application process, focusing on student financial well-being, and connecting students to other campus resources. The webinar concluded with next steps, which included refining eligibility criteria and supporting students in developing long-term solutions.<br /><br />The webinar was presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and is copyrighted by the organization.

Keywords

emergency funding

student affairs

advancement collaboration

George Mason University

pandemic response

student retention

financial aid

crisis support

webinar