9 tips for assisting vulnerable student groups – UB
ACHA CEO: “It’s incumbent on the higher education community to protect and support those of us who need it most and remove the barriers they face in completing their education.”
The American College Health Association (ACHA) released further guidance to higher education institutions in its Supporting Vulnerable Campus Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic study, which offers strategies to provide more equity and assistance to affected student populations.
Many of those students continue to face significant challenges, according to the ACHA. As schools have reopened or are reopening, young adults are not only facing heightened anxiety and stress but also big hurdles when it comes to academic opportunities and health care options.
“We know from history that our most vulnerable citizens — marginalized, low income, underserved, and people of color — are the same people who suffer the most during a global health crisis. That holds true on college campuses as well,” says Devin Jopp, chief executive officer of ACHA. “It’s incumbent on the higher education community to protect and support those of us who need it most and remove the barriers they face in completing their education. ACHA created these guidelines because we want to provide institutions with a roadmap for achieving educational and health equity despite the challenges brought on by this pandemic.”