Across the CSU campuses, efforts to increase student retention and degree completion especially among first generation and low income students are being implemented.
However, the lack of awareness related to students’ challenges in meeting their basic needs (food insecurity, homelessness and mental health) and subsequent lack of support in helping students navigate points of services on campus undercut the efforts to increase retention and graduation rates.
Our research aims to inform policy, systems and environmental change that support student basic needs and their academic success.