Student workers can take a breath now that UTM has created a donation-generated fund to provide them with some financial relief.
When UTM’s main campus and centers closed due to COVID-19, many student workers were left without a job or source of income. These students are more at risk for facing financial insecurity now that they are no longer working.
“Please know that even though you may never see the direct impact your gift had on a student’s life, (it) does not mean that you did not make a difference. Because of you, a student did not miss a meal; Because of you, a student did not miss a car payment; Because of you, a student did not have to lose their apartment,” said Jordan Reynolds, Junior Health and Human Performance major, in a letter addressed to the university after receiving his donation from the Displaced Student Worker fund.
The Displaced Student Worker fund is a donation-generated fund that was developed for department paid student workers who cannot work due to COVID-19.
University Relations sent out an FAQ students may have. One question in particular pertains to the Displaced Student Worker fund:
“Q: I am a student worker and have not been able to work during this time period. Is there any additional aid I can receive?”
For students to qualify, they must be recommended by a supervisor. They must contact their campus supervisor to request assistance.
Supervisors will then contact Mary Baker in the UTM Division of University Advancement.
After receiving contact, the business office works to distribute the funds in a timely manner after they receive the information about a student.
“In a time of unexpected circumstances, this fund has lightened financial burdens for those students not being able to work on campus during this time. It was established by many people who care about UTM and the student body,” Baker said.
The UTM alumni website has two different places where you can donate. You can go to their main page utmforever.com to make a gift donation in the top right hand corner.
You can also go to utmforever.com/helpahawk, which takes you directly to the information page about the Displaced Student Worker fund. On the left hand side of the page, you can select the amount you would like to contribute from the options given, or you can customize the amount.
“This is a brand new fund that was created in light of COVID-19, and transitioning classes to an online platform. Yes. We are planning to keep this fund active going forward,” said Matthew Borden, UTM alumni and associate director of annual giving.
The amount that will remain available depends on donations. The fund is replenished as donations are made, however often that may be.
