Faculty, Staff and Student Leaders Toolkit
Welcome!
As faculty, staff and student leaders at SDCCE, you play a critical role in serving and connecting with our students. Please find helpful resources for you below to provide support and information to our students who may require basic needs support.

Learn How to Identify a Basic Needs Situation
Identifying a Basic Needs Situation
- Listen for statements about a lack of or barriers to food, housing, finances, mental health or sleep.
- Listen for vague language or downplaying of their situation.
- Take statements about basic needs seriously, even if they seem casual.
- If you hear a student talk about a basic needs situation, follow up with them via email, Canvas messaging, or in person to check in and talk about resources available to them.
- Use the information from your conversation to refer the student to the appropriate resource. If you are unsure where to refer the student, please contact our Basic Needs Coordinator, who can assist in connecting the student.
Learn How to Talk with Students about Their Needs, and Provide Resources
Talking with Students about Basic Needs
- Check in with your student using open ended questions
- Actively listen to what they have to say
- Use the information from your conversation to refer the student to the appropriate resource.
- Language for syllabi
- To include language in your syllabi regarding Basic Needs support, please contact your Basic Needs Coordinator at sdccebasicneeds@sdccd.edu for more information.
- Direct referrals to Basic Needs Coordinator
How Else Can I Help?
- Amazon Wish List
- Volunteer
If you would like to volunteer at any of our food distribution events, or mobile markets, please click here to add your contact information to our volunteer list! - Donate »