ERIC Number: EJ1384465
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Mar
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0884-9153
EISSN: N/A
Higher Education Liaisons for Students Experiencing Homelessness: Role Preparation and Professional Development Needs
Haskett, Mary E.; Buccelli, Alexandra R.; Renbarger, Rachel L.
Journal of Student Financial Aid, v52 n1 Article 3 Mar 2023
Homelessness among college students is an increasing concern on campuses across the U.S. Homelessness during college is associated with food insecurity, mental health concerns, and academic challenges including dropped classes, low GRE, and delayed degree completion. Homeless education liaisons--a role often filled by financial aid officers--are tasked with assisting students experiencing homelessness as the students navigate systems of support for basic needs while pursuing their degrees. Little is known about the perspectives or experiences of these professionals in terms of their role as a liaison. Our aim was to inform efforts to support these professionals by gaining an understanding of the knowledge and experiences of liaisons and their professional development preferences and needs. Based on survey data collected from 49 liaisons in four states, we identified gaps in understanding of college student homelessness, such as underestimates of the rate of student homelessness. We pinpointed areas of potential professional development including methods to identify and reach all students at risk for or experiencing homelessness and approaches for collaboration with community partners. We found that liaisons welcomed professional development and preferred online training and peer support as approaches to gain knowledge and skills to fulfill their critical roles. [Note: The publication date (Feb 2022) shown on the PDF is incorrect. The correct publication date for v52 n1 is Mar 2023.]
Descriptors: College Students, Professional Personnel, Social Support Groups, Homeless People, Student Experience, Professional Development, Educational Needs, Job Training, Experience, Knowledge Level, Identification, School Community Programs
Center for Economic Education at the University of Louisville. Porter Building, 1905 South 1st Street, Louisville, Ky, 40292. e-mail: jsfa@louisville.edu; Web site: https://ir.library.louisville.edu/jsfa/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A