Kean Launches ‘Kean Cares’ to Connect Students with Support Services

Kean kicked off a new Universitywide initiative, Kean Cares, at an event held on Miron Student Center plaza to raise awareness of student support services that address the challenges that surfaced for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

More than 300 students enjoyed music, food and fun at the ‘Back to Basics’ festival sponsored by Cougar Connections Center for Social Work and Cougar Pantry; the Center for Veteran Student Success; First-Gen Scholars; and other student service programs.

Like many universities, Kean saw an increase in students reporting mental health and other challenges, such as food and housing insecurity, during the COVID pandemic. By bringing support offices and services together, Kean Cares is designed to target services to specific student needs.

“It was gratifying to see so many Kean Cougars enjoying the Back to Basics event and learning more about our important Kean Cares services,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., who visited the kick-off. “We know that for students to succeed at Kean they often need support in many areas of their lives. We are committed to ensuring they get the help they need to persist to graduation.”

The campaign, which encourages students to “Be Your Best Self,” also comes as Kean is embarking on a Universitywide wellness campaign for faculty, staff and students. 

Kean Vice President for Student Affairs Matthew Caruso said many students have needs beyond academics.

“Dealing with COVID over the last two-and-a-half years has taught us that we need to get back to the basics and that it takes the entire University community working together to support our students,” Caruso said. 

Many of the Kean Cares services are located at the Kean Wellness Center on the Union campus, and others are found within Academic Affairs, Student Success and Retention, and Enrollment Services. Information about all can be found online at kean.edu/cares.

“From academic tutoring to first-generation support, to counseling services and our Cougar Pantry and much more, Kean Cares raises awareness and is essential to helping our students thrive,” Caruso said. “Dr. Repollet has made substantial investments in not just the physical infrastructure of the campus, but more importantly, in the human capital that is critical in supporting the students we serve.”

Erika Charles, director of social work at Cougar Connections Center of Social Work, said the Kean Cares service providers work closely together.

“We are in constant contact to make sure services are integrated,” she said.

Genique Stanislaus, executive director of the Kean Wellness Center, said some students may know they want help but are uncertain about what they need. Kean Cares is designed to address that.

“Sometimes students could go to one office and be referred to another across campus, but they never get there. We’re trying to close the gap of losing students,” she said.

Danielle Brathwaite of Springfield and Afiah Smith of Brooklyn, N.Y., both sophomore accounting majors, joined the crowd at the Back to Basics event. Both said they enjoyed the beautiful day and the chance to socialize with students, and they also saw the importance of the Kean Cares campaign.

“I’m from out of state, so it’s good to know I have resources away from home,” Smith said. 

“I know different departments provide assistance. It’s important to raise awareness,” Brathwaite said.