Demand: Financial Aid

Overview

These demands focus on financial policies and fundraising.

Demand 1

Reform financial policies to make obtaining an Emerson education affordable and accessible.

Point Person(s)

Individuals involved:

• Ruthanne Madsen

Specific Actions

Increase funding and resources to help recruitment, retention and support of BISOC students.

Dates/Timeframe Updates

Milestones and updates include:

• A new administrative unit within the existing Office of Student Success focused on Student Success, Access, and Belonging, which will guide the development of students from historically marginalized backgrounds, support their personal, social, and academic goals, retention and persistence, and improve the overall student experience.
• The Emerson Circle of Creative Scholars, a new scholarship program designed to support historically marginalized students throughout their entire Emerson experience, provides scholarships, mentorship, and a network of holistic support to Emerson Circle Creative Scholars from the time of admission through graduation and beyond. The Emerson Circle of Creative Scholars program launches in Fall 2022 with full four-year scholarships awarded to 10 incoming, first-year students. Incoming transfer students who hold associate degrees will also be eligible to receive enhanced financial support; five scholarships will be awarded to qualifying transfer students. 
• The College has increased financial aid to support the retention of students who find themselves in need of additional support while enrolled at Emerson, and launched a new program, The Deans’ Fellowships for Racial Equity, which will provide increased financial aid and enhanced opportunities for peer leadership, personal and professional development, as well as academic and career networking. Beginning Fall 2021, 17 student recipients of the fellowship, who were selected from across the School of the Arts, the School of Communication, and the Marlboro Institute for the Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies, will work closely with the Dean’s leadership team from each school, faculty, BIPOC student groups, and others on campus to facilitate communication and actions that promote racial justice, equity, healing, and inclusion in each School’s academic environment. The fellowship provides an award of $3,000 per academic year. 
• METCO/Emerson Scholarship agreement in place for a Fall 2022 start.

Demand 2

Fundraising campaign commitments are made and documented.

Point Person(s)

Individuals involved:

• John Malcolm

Specific Actions

Launch a $10 million campaign to raise current use and endowed financial aid supporting funds.

Dates/Timeframe Updates

Milestones and updates include:

• New fundraising campaign commitments to be made and documented by the end of FY23.