AAUP, New York Tech Faculty Generously Support COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund

New York Tech’s Big Give fundraising effort is responding to COVID-19 by focusing on supporting students who are currently experiencing financial hardships.

New York Tech’s two AAUP (American Association of University Professors) faculty chapters immediately reacted to the announcement of the new Student Emergency Fund and collectively designated $50,000 toward students with high need. Others have responded to the call, with donations coming in immediately following the announcement of the fund.

“More than 98 percent of our students receive financial aid and work part-time jobs. In fact, approximately 70 percent of our students work part-time jobs in order to make ends meet. Of this number, almost 53 percent work more than 21 hours per week, while another 29 percent work 16 to 20 hours per week. Due to recent events, many of their hours are being reduced or eliminated,” notes Patrick Minson, M.B.A., M.P.A., vice president for development and alumni relations.

“Our students will be thanking their professors for years to come. Thanks to the New York Tech community’s generosity, resiliency, and dedication, we will get through this together,” said New York Tech President Hank Foley, Ph.D. “We will not let this pandemic prevent our students from becoming the doers, makers, innovators, and healers who are tackling today's challenges and reinventing the future.”

The annual Big Give day of fundraising will be held virtually this year, beginning at 3 p.m. on April 1. Donations to the Big Give prior to April 1 will fund the Student Emergency Fund, while donors will be able to specify other areas of need within the university during the 55-hour fundraising event.