Alongside efforts to ensure the sustainability of the University and to contribute to the national recovery, UNSW has launched funds for students and staff facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
UNSW Sydney has prioritised two areas for our philanthropic focus: funds for students and staff facing hardship and a fund to support research at UNSW which has the potential to rapidly impact on COVID-19.
As a member of the UNSW community, you are invited to support these initiatives, if you can, to increase the University’s potential to make a significant difference to the immediate and longer-term implications of COVID-19.
In recognition of the challenges faced by members of our community and to encourage others to join UNSW in addressing the COVID-19 crisis, the Chancellor, David Gonski, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Jacobs, have personally donated a total of $375,000.
From Tuesday 21 April, UNSW will call on some its most valued supporters, friends and alumni for further support, kicking off a public donor and engagement campaign.
Students facing hardship
Most of our students are coping well with the shift to virtual learning but some who have lost their part-time jobs are facing serious financial insecurity and hardship. We want to support students experiencing genuine hardship to ensure they can focus their attention on their studies and their personal wellbeing. In addition to the continuing work of UNSW student services to minimise stress, keep students informed and provide counselling at this difficult time, we have established the UNSW Student Emergency Response Fund. The fund will provide financial aid to both domestic and international students who are facing hardship as a direct result of COVID-19.
If you are a student facing financial hardship, visit the Current Students website for options available to you.
Staff facing hardship
The financial wellbeing of some colleagues at UNSW has been destabilised as a result of temporary changes that are unfolding to our working environment. We have therefore launched a Staff Benevolent Fund to provide needs-based financial support to those in critical need.
If you are a staff member facing financial hardship, please contact your HR Business Partner or line manager to find out about options available to you.
COVID-19 research
UNSW is conducting research that has the potential to speed up the recovery across our society. Read more here.
There is a strong tradition at UNSW of staff support for University activities. Many of you have inquired about ways to support students and staff or contribute to COVID-19 related research. If you would like to make a personal contribution to any of the above causes, please use the UNSW Staff Giving portal to join UNSW in addressing the challenge of COVID-19, or reach out to philanthropy@unsw.edu.au for further discussion.
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