Rogers State University has put into place additional support to assist students with hardships as a result of the growing COVID-19 impact. This support follows measures the university enacted last week to prioritize the health and safety of students by limiting campus access.
In a response to student need, the Rogers State University Foundation has established the Hillcat Heroes fund. The fund will provide urgent one-time financial assistance for current students who have suffered severe economic, medical or similar hardships.
“Our work has never been as important as it is right now,” said Vice President for Development Steve Valencia. “RSU is doing all it can to serve our students. The Hillcat Heroes fund will provide support for the emergency needs of students who need help to stay in school and continue work toward a degree.”
In an effort to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19, RSU has enacted a reduced occupancy model for on-campus student housing. This action is consistent with university-wide social distancing procedures including the cancellation of all university-sponsored events, electronic delivery of all course instruction and limited access to university buildings for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester.
RSU is committed to assisting all residents, including the international student community, in every possible way. Students who are currently residing on campus and do not have access to alternate housing will be accommodated.
All students will continue to have access to the university food pantry. RSU is partnered with the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and Sodexo Food Services to combat university-wide food insecurity.
“We remain committed to putting students first. We are prioritizing the health and well-being of each of our students as we follow state and federal guidelines,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Robert Goltra. “The rapid pace of this growing pandemic has a very real impact on our students. We have students who have lost their jobs and incomes, their ability to travel home and in some cases loss of support from home.”
Gifts to the emergency assistance fund can be made online at www.rsu.edu/give. Select “Hillcat Heroes” to designate the gift.
Stay updated on RSU’s response to COVID-19.