Finding noteworthy words.
Mental health in a pandemic
Learn how University of Minnesota students’ mental health changed during the pandemic and how the University’s resources adjusted to fit new needs through an interactive website featuring data visualizations, audio, text, and graphics.
The cost of attending the University of Minnesota
The Washington Avenue Bridge tunnel connecting the East and West Bank campuses of the university.
On Friday, Feb. 12, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents announced a new free tuition program for low-income families making $50,000 or less. This announcement is a relief to many low-income families who struggle to pay for tuition. Over the past decade, tuition at the University of Minnesota increased almost 25%, according to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. As costs increase, so has student debt. Students continue to grapple with getting a quality education and paying for all the expenses of college.
How much does it cost to attend the University of Minnesota?
According to One Stop Student Services, the cost of attending the University is almost $20,000 more for nonresidents (students from out of state) living on campus than residents (students from Minnesota) for the 2020-2021 academic year. Below is a full breakdown of the cost of attendance.
Breaking down the total cost of attendance
The total cost of attending the University includes many factors, such as tuition/fees, room/board, and transportation. Some things cost more for students who live out of state rather than in the state. The cost of transportation is $1,500 more. The cost of tuition/fees is $18,298 more.
Tips for financial success
One Stop Student Services located in Bruininks Hall in Minneapolis, Minn.
According to One Stop Student Services, students should budget, set up banking accounts, and build good credit to ensure they in good financial standing. University students can meet one-on-one with a financial wellness counselor for help with financial literacy by scheduling a virtual appointment. For more information on financial tips, visit the One Stop website.
Tips for saving at the U
Goldy Gopher statute near Coffman Memorial Union in Minneapolis, Minn.
Saving on transportation
Purchase the U-Pass. The U-Pass is a discounted bus pass that can take you anywhere in the metro area. The pass cost $114 a semester. Students can save up to 71% on bus fare by using this pass. To purchase the pass, visit the University of Minnesota Parking and Transportation Services website.
Saving on fresh produce
One out of five students run out of food before they can afford to buy more, according to Boyton Health, a health care service for the university community. The Nutritious U Pantry offers fresh produce and healthy foods to students twice a month at no cost. Due to the coronavirus, students must request a bag of food and then pick it up at the pantry, located on the first floor of Coffman Memorial Union. For more information on the pantry, visit the Nutritious U Food Pantry website.
The uphill battle for nonprofits during a global pandemic
By: Hannah Ihekoronye and Tina Nguyen
May 6, 2020
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. –– “A day-to-day adventure” is how Kiley Benson, the director of operations and technology at Loaves and Fishes, describes life at a nonprofit during a global pandemic.
Gov. Tim Walz has declared most nonprofits as essential organizations due to the resources they provide to those who are urgently in need. With the pandemic, they are needed now more than ever, but most are finding themselves in a state of emergency due to their depleting resources and their inability to keep up with public demands.
“How do we keep people as whole as possible and a clear understanding of the work that you’re [nonprofits] doing is all a part of the care now, the recovery and the well-being of the state,'' said Governor Walz in an interview with Jon Pratt, the executive director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.
Loaves and Fishes warehouse in Minneapolis, Minn.
Amid COVID-19, Loaves and Fishes, a nonprofit organization that serves meals in the Twin Cities, is serving nearly triple the amount of meals they previously served before the pandemic struck. The virus has caused it to go from 3,500 meals a day to a drastic 10,000 meals.
Loaves and Fishes continues to receive a pouring of positive support from the community; however, COVID-19 continues to produce new challenges that require new solutions. Concerns such as ensuring safe packaging, distribution and delivery of meals have required more creative thinking.
With the overwhelming demand, there is also the struggle to provide an equal amount of meals at every site. As a result, new partnerships have emerged. To meet rising needs, Loaves and Fishes is partnering with UnitedHealth Group, Young Men’s Christian Association Twin-Cities (YMCA) and D’Amico Catering to expand their distribution network.
Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes Cathy Maes
“You can do the work if you just find the partners to do it,” said Cathy Maes, executive director of Loaves and Fishes.
Along with partnerships, Loaves and Fishes seeks financial assistance through grants to offset the additional $20,000 spent on operations every week due to the pandemic.
To meet community needs, Loaves and Fishes is asking the public to donate money and volunteer their time to serve people in need.
People Serving People delivering meals in Minneapolis, Minn.
People Serving People, a nonprofit that provides shelter relief to families in need, has also had to make dramatic changes to keep their vital programs running and ensure the safety and security of guests and staff.
The nonprofit had to halt many programs and services, such as shutting down the cafeteria dining hall. Their food supply chains have also been severely disrupted along with their ability to rely on nearly 7,000 volunteers for service.
“All of these changes are expensive and unbudgeted,” said Emily Haeg, the communications coordinator at People Serving People. “While this is a financial hardship for us, our number one priority is protecting the health and wellbeing of the families we serve and our staff.”
In keeping up with rigorous safety protocols, People Serving People has had to invest their focus to sanitizing high-touch areas, implementing plexiglass barriers at desks, and working closely with Hennepin County to screen families for symptoms of COVID-19.
All of these obstacles produced from COVID-19 have cost nearly $170,000 a month of unbudgeted expenses and--if continued--could add up to more than a million a year.
The staff, in compensation for their efforts, is also receiving hazard pay--a raise that has been implemented since Governor Walz first declared a state of emergency in early March.
CEO of People Serving People Daniel Gumnit
Despite the overwhelming cost and burdens due to the pandemic, the nonprofit has received tremendous support from the community. It managed to raise $1.3 million to support their efforts along with donations of thermometers and face masks.
“It’s been humbling,” said Daniel Gumnit, CEO of People Serving People. “The community really rallied to support in a manner of a few weeks.”
People Serving People is accepting donations through their Give At Home MN campaign. Wells Fargo will match the donations by doubling the amount you give.
Despite their leaps and bounds in overcoming obstacles, both nonprofits have an understanding of the hard times still ahead.
“Every day has its own challenges and battles,” Benson said. “The need will continue to escalate.”
“It’s been a truly transformational experience,” Gumnit said. “My hope is that the community will not forget the massive health and economic disparities disproportionately felt by people of color when we’re on the other side.”