Suffolk CARES
Suffolk CARES staff assist students in understanding available resources and how to access the ones that will be most helpful. By working collaboratively with students, families, faculty, and other campus partners, Suffolk CARES ensures that no student is alone in their challenges. The goal is to inspire self-confidence and empower students to remain personally and academically successful, fostering a sense of belonging and support within the college community.
Suffolk CARES offers:
Student Support/Case Management
Many students who meet with Suffolk CARES Case Managers are referred by community members (i.e., faculty, friends, staff, Resident Assistants, RAM Supporters, etc.) who believe additional support and outreach would be beneficial.
74% of students who meet with Suffolk CARES feel more equipped to navigate university resources in the future.
60% of students feel more engaged academically.
What to Expect
During the initial meeting, Case Managers listen to concerns and any additional information. Case Managers then review resources and identify action items.
Together, students and their Case Managers will select the most appropriate resources and create a Student Success Plan.
A final meeting to evaluate progress or develop a new plan concludes the process.
Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Grants & Faculty Notifications of Absence
Emergency Grants
During the course of the academic year, students may face unexpected bills or expenses while having little or no ability to access funds. Suffolk University Emergency Grants of up to $300.00 are available for graduate and undergraduate students experiencing unexpected financial circumstances.
Students interested in applying for an Emergency Grant must:
- Be enrolled in at least one credit bearing course
- Be a current undergraduate or graduate student
- Meet with a Suffolk CARES Case Manager to explore any additional resources
- Provide supporting documentation
Applications are reviewed with Student Financial Services to ensure eligibility and decisions are communicated to students within 10 business days by university email. Emergency Grants are available only from September – May and recipients are not expected to repay grant funds.
Previous Emergency Grant requests included items such as urgent out-of-pocket medical expenses, food and housing security, commuting assistance, unexpected expenses for coursework, and unexpected loss of wages. Emergency Grants may not be used towards tuition or on-campus housing fees.
Submit an Emergency Grant Application
Emergency Housing
Students experiencing emotional or physical safety concerns in their current residence are advised to contact the Dean of Students office or Suffolk CARES at 617-573-8239. While on campus housing resources may be limited, staff are available to evaluate options and accessible resources.
Submit an Emergency Grant Application
RAM Card Food Insecurity Grant
Students in need can receive emergency funds (up to $75) on their RAM card after meeting with a Suffolk CARES Case Manager to purchase food at retail locations on and off campus.
Faculty Notification of Absence
Students are expected to attend all classes as attendance is an integral aspect of enhancing academic success. Requirements for attendance and class participation are established by the instructor in each course. Students are responsible for all material and information covered in classes missed. Students are expected to carefully consult individual course syllabi for course-specific attendance policies, as they may vary by class.
Students should contact the Student Affairs Office or a member of the Suffolk CARES team if they expect to miss a week or more of classes. Students may also request the Student Affairs Office to validate a legitimate absence by filling out the Absence Verification Request Form. Absence Verification requests must be made within two weeks of the absence.
Completing the request form does not excuse your absences, but informs your instructors that your absence has been discussed with and verified by Student Affairs.
Basic Needs, Security Resources & the Suffolk CARES Pantry
Basic Needs Security
Suffolk University understands the challenges for students trying to meet their basic needs. Recent data indicates that close to 30% of college and university students across the country experience some level of food insecurity and nearly 40% of students will face some level of housing insecurity during their academic career. In response, Suffolk University provides access to support and resources through Suffolk CARES for our students.
Housing Insecurity
If you or someone you know is experiencing housing insecurity (challenges that prevent one from having a safe, affordable, and consistent place to live or are not able to pay rent, utility bills, or the need to move frequently) you are not alone.
Suffolk CARES can help. Together we will explore area facilities and programs, Off-Campus Housing, Emergency Grants and identify what options will best assist you.
Food Insecurity
Not having reliable and sustainable access to nutritious food products, intentionally skipping a meal, reducing the size of meals, or borrowing money to obtain food are common occurrences for students challenged by food insecurity.
Suffolk CARES provides resources through the Suffolk CARES Pantry, Emergency Grants, and the RAM Card Grant. Students can also receive information from the CARES Pantry Coordinator about available food programs in the City of Boston and other nearby communities where our students may live.
Suffolk CARES Pantry
The Suffolk CARES Pantry provides food and necessary products to Suffolk University students in need at no cost. Items available to students in the Pantry include food items, personal hygiene products, cleaning and household supplies, and school supplies.
New Student Resources & Support
Starting at a new university can be both exciting and overwhelming. Suffolk CARES programs and resources are designed to help new transfer and first-year students feel comfortable and confident during their first year at Suffolk.
Personalized Support
Recognizing that each student’s experience is unique, we offer personalized support tailed to your needs as a new Suffolk student. Suffolk CARES includes a First-Year Student Case Manager who specializes in connecting new students to appropriate campus resources.
The RAM Supporter Program, designed to foster a supportive and informed community, connects each new student to an upper-class student leader who provides guidance, support, and valuable insights into navigating the Suffolk experience. The partnership between CARES and the RAM Supporter program creates a strong support network that prioritizes the well-being and success of new students at Suffolk.