In early April, Clark State began two call campaigns to reach out to its currently enrolled students. Forty staff members from across the college volunteered to make personal phone calls to students.
Clark State students have been completing coursework in an online or alternative format since the return from spring break on March 16 when Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s COVID-19 prevention measures went into effect.
“The intent of the first call campaign was to check on our students and to see how they are doing with everything that is going on,” said Natalie Johnson, associate dean of Clark State Greene County locations. “We were able to identify areas of need and connect them with the appropriate office for support. For example, a student may have been connected with the Office of Student Support, Counseling Services or their success coach.”
Johnson said the overall response from the calling campaign has been positive, and students appreciated that the College expressed concern for them. Clark State staff also reported a positive experience in the interaction with students.
A second call campaign currently underway at Clark State reaches out to students who have requested financial assistance through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The CARES Act was signed into law last month. Clark State received 2.9 million, half of which must go directly to students whose education has been impacted by COVID-19, while the other half of the funds will go to the institution to provide financial relief related to COVID-19 related expenses.
“The intent of the Act is to get the money to students quickly to help during this uncertain time,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “This formula took into account Pell eligibility, and those students are strongly represented at community colleges. We appreciate the focus on financial need.”
As of Friday, May 1, Clark State had assisted 1,060 students with funds provided to the College through the CARES Act.