College of DuPage helping undocumented and homeless student populations navigate college
College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn has appointed two liaisons to connect undocumented students and students experiencing homelessness with critical resources, such as financial aid, counseling and academic support.
COD High School Admissions Representative Elizabeth Gomez de la Casa will serve as the Undocumented Student Resource Liaison and COD Financial Aid Specialist Jenny Madsen will serve as the Homeless Student Resource Liaison.
The liaisons are required at every community college and four-year institution under an Illinois law passed last spring.
"College of DuPage is committed to helping all students achieve a quality education and remains dedicated to making educational accessible to all," said COD President Dr. Brian Caputo. "Both Madsen and Gomez de la Casa will serve as advocates to both student populations and offer one-on-one assistance to ensure that students have the resources they need to be successful."
COD has long supported undocumented students through the college's Center for Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. With the appointment of Gomez de la Casa, undocumented students and students from mixed-status households will have streamlined access to resources including scholarship opportunities, financial aid, citizenship and more.
Gomez de la Casa will provide guidance to the undocumented student community on everything from paying for college to mental health support to navigating legal services.
Madsen will provide assistance to COD students experiencing homelessness by sharing state and local resources available such as food and clothing, employment, child care, on-campus storage and more.
"Students in higher education increasingly struggle to meet basic needs, such as stable housing," Madsen said. "As I take on this important role, I will work to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies to ensure that our students are provided the services they need."
Learn more about resources available to undocumented students at COD by visiting cod.edu/student_life/resources/.
Learn more about resources available to COD students facing housing insecurity by visiting cod.edu/costs/financial_aid/homeless-resources