Foster Student Support

SRU is committed to providing all students a “Rock-Solid” experience in and out of the classroom. SRU recognize that being a foster student or unaccompanied homeless youth presents unique challenges as you begin your college career. At SRU, you will be part of a community that is here to support you, encourage you and help you on your path to success.

The Student Support team will assist you with connections to resources for admissions, financial aid, basic needs and answering questions as you transition to The Rock. If you identify as a foster student or unaccompanied youth, please connect with our support team below to discuss your options and resources. Foster students are students currently in or are coming from foster care. Unaccompanied homeless youth are generally considered as students who are unaccompanied, (without a relationship with biological parents) homeless and under the age of 24.

Meet the team

Karla Romero
Application, Liaison to Financial Aid, and Next Steps
Title: Asst Director of Admissions for Minority Recruitment, Admissions
Phone: 724.738.2653
Email karla.romero@sru.edu

Sunshine Mushrush
Transition concerns and Basic Needs,
Title: Assistant Director, Student Support
Phone: 724.738.4609
Email: sunshine.mushrush@sru.edu

Transitioning to college can be a challenge. SRU is committed to providing the resources to support you every step of the way. Explore below for additional resources!

Financial Aid

Foster students are eligible for additional aid and grants including the Chafee Grant. To discuss Financial Aid questions, please contact Ms. Alyssa Dobson at 724.738.2220 or alyssa.dobson@sru.edu.

Housing

On-campus housing at Slippery Rock University provides you with a fun, friendly and safe living environment. You know your neighbors, it's easy to get around and you feel comfortable in your surroundings. Whether you're from a big city or a small town, living on SRU’s campus offers a close-knit community that feels like home. Housing during breaks may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Contact information:

Mimi Campbell
724.738.2110
mimi.campbell@sru.edu

Additional Housing Resources

Student Support Fund
Butler County United Way – offering connection to resources for help with rent, utilities and more
211.org – Not sure where to start? Call 211 – they can help.

Basic Needs

Rock Pantry+

Rock Pantry+ is a food pantry focused on helping students who are unable to consistently access food or toiletries. Rock Pantry+ is now offering shopping-style experience where students can make an appointment or drop in to fill up a bag of items they want. Our pantry includes non-perishable food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies for pick up.

Pick-up and drop-in hours will be Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Rock Pantry+ is located within Patterson Hall with Student Support.
Fill out the Intake Form on CORE.

Meal Swipes

Aramark’s Swipes for Security Program offers students in need access to meal swipes. Fill out the following Rock Pantry+ Intake Form to determine if you are eligible for utilizing the program.

Please connect with Student Support if you are in need of any of the following:

Toiletries
Bedding
Textbooks
School Supplies
Miscellaneous

Mentorship

Foster students and unaccompanied homeless youth are encouraged to join SRU’s Jump Start Mentor program. The Jump Start program is designed to serve as a transition program with its primary goal in assisting students with the acclimation of college life on campus, both academically and socially. The Jump Start Program is a yearlong program that provides one-to-one development, academic advisement, and study skills strengthening and support to participants.

The program begins with Jump Start Week (our pre-college week) and continues throughout the year with workshops and additional programs. Each participant is paired with an upperclassmen who shares the same major or interests to support and provide information, encouragement and guidance throughout the mentee’s first year.

Contact information: Contact Ivory Dunlap at 724.738.4911 or ivory.dunlap@sru.edu.

Academic Support Tutoring Services

The SRU Tutorial Center offers free academic assistance to SRU students. Our highly qualified peer tutors are trained to provide students with quality services through in-person or virtual appointments. Individual and Group Tutoring Sessions are available. For more information or questions about tutoring, please contact us per the information below.

Contact Information:

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: 113 Bailey Library
Phone: 724.738.2845
Email: sru_tutoring@sru.edu (Please allow a reasonable amount of time for a response)

Success Coaches

Success Coaching empowers students in their college transitions, goal setting, time management, academic habits, effective learning strategies, academic motivation, exam preparation, campus connections, and academic progress.

Contact Information:
724.738.2011
success.coach@sru.edu.

For other campus resources, check out The Concern Center.