Area higher ed hailed for meeting students’ basic needs

Three major universities and two community colleges in the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado have received Comprehensive Basic Needs Campus designations from the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

The University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, the University of Northern Colorado, Front Range Community College and Aims Community College received the recognition, CDHE announced.

The designation, the highest level awarded through a new statewide program, recognizes colleges and universities that make a coordinated commitment to addressing student needs such as food security, housing stability, mental-health support and access to critical resources.

CDHE evaluates colleges and universities on 13 basic-needs service areas, including food security, mental health, legal services and career support. The designation has two levels: Cornerstone Campus, for institutions meeting core requirements across six foundational areas, and Comprehensive Campus, for those that meet all Cornerstone criteria plus at least three additional service categories.

Both levels focus on reducing barriers, alleviating stress and improving retention and graduation outcomes. This recognition consolidates prior initiatives such as the Hunger Free Campus designation that CU Boulder earned in 2020 into a single, holistic framework. It is part of CDHE’s Social Determinants of Student Success initiative, which emphasizes that access to essential resources is critical for academic and life success.

“Meeting students’ basic needs is one of the most effective ways we can improve outcomes across higher education,”JB Holston,  CDHE executive director, said in a prepared statement. “These campuses are demonstrating what it looks like to take a comprehensive, data-informed approach to student success – breaking down barriers, aligning resources and centering equity in their work.”

In separate news releases, officials at CU and CSU hailed the designations.

“This designation is a culmination of years of investment in building strong, student-centered support systems,” said Hannah Wilks, CU Boulder’s assistant dean of students. “CU Boulder has worked hard to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing basic needs, and this recognition reaffirms our commitment to creating equitable, supportive environments on our campus and across Colorado — sharing best practices and helping all students thrive.”

In 2020, Wilks cofounded The Colorado Higher Education Basic Needs Coalition, which works to reduce stigma and expand access to essential supports for students statewide through collaboration, advocacy and data-informed strategies. Its efforts align with CU Boulder’s commitment to student success, including plans to launch a statewide basic-needs insecurity survey this fall, with participation from about 20 institutions.

CU Boulder developed the survey and will analyze the data in partnership with the CDHE to better understand student needs across the state and inform resources, funding and policy decisions.

Last year, CSU expanded its efforts by creating the Office for Basic Needs, a standalone office that helps students access essential resources in a coordinated, holistic way.

“When we launched the Office for Basic Needs last summer, our goal was to expand the support network with campus partners to build on our strong food-security program to include housing and utility assistance as well as stronger connections to mental health and wellbeing resources,” said Blanche Hughes, vice president for the Division of Student Affairs. “This designation is a recognition that we are making meaningful progress in this area.”

A UNC news release hailed the school’s recognition for “providing students access to the essential resources necessary for promoting academic success and overall wellbeing,” and a statement from FRCC noted that “student success goes beyond academics. We’re proud to be building a supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

At Aims, said Leah L. Bornstein, the community college’s CEO and president, “student success begins with meeting students where they are. We know that academic achievement is closely connected to a student’s overall well-being. When students have access to food, housing support, mental-health resources and emergency assistance, they are better positioned to focus on their education and reach their goals.”

Aims provides free food, personal-care items and essential supplies through Arty’s Pantry, with support from a partnership with Weld Food Bank. Students can also work with CARE Case Management to access SNAP benefits, community food resources and other support services that reduce barriers to academic success. Beginning this fall, Aims’ Student Health and Wellness Center, operated in partnership with Sunrise Community Health, will provide integrated medical, dental and behavioral health services directly on campus.

Through CARE Case Management, Aims connects students with emergency shelter resources, rental assistance programs, local housing authorities and transitional housing options.

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