UFV staff and community come together to help students in need
Following the move to online-only classes in March, some UFV staff members have opted to make recurring monthly donations toward student aid with money that would have otherwise gone toward parking fees.
According to a university press release, at least 152 employees are currently participating in the initiative, which is contributing $3,980 each month toward the UFV Student Emergency Fund on an ongoing basis.
According to UFV’s financial aid webpage, the Student Emergency Fund is intended to “assist students who are experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties that are beyond their control and prevent them from reaching their educational goals.” The university is also promoting an online option that allows staff and community members to make one-time donations of any amount.
Anita Nielsen, executive director of advancement and alumni relations at UFV, said that the suggestion to donate parking fees arose organically.
“Somebody that was part of the emergency operations committee suggested, ‘What if staff were to just redirect their parking fees for the period of time when [the school is closed]? People probably wouldn’t miss that off of their pay,’” she said.
“We said that we’d be happy to run with that, and everybody worked really quickly to put it together.”
Nielsen, who oversees all of UFV’s fundraising efforts, added that from that point on, involvement has only increased.
“Right now we’re at about 150 [staff giving their parking money], plus staff that are donating. We set a goal for 200, and we’re edging our way up there.”
She also said that the university has plans to continue supporting students who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning this week with “Giving Tuesday Now,” a global charity initiative that took place on Tuesday, May 5.
Staff and community members have been encouraged to give what they can, with all donations received by UFV during the event going to the Student Emergency Fund.
“We’re starting to get donations in already,” said Nielsen on Friday. “What’s great is it’s not just people that are our ongoing donors — and we obviously appreciate their support — but it’s new people supporting as well.”
According to UFV’s financial aid webpage, students wishing to apply for support from the Student Emergency Fund should contact UFV Financial Aid for an application. In order to be eligible, students must provide supporting documentation, and be registered in good standing in at least two courses. The fund is open to both international and domestic students.
Image: The Cascade
