About Us
The Department of Student Resources & Basic Needs, formerly known as TexConnect, works to link students to resources both on campus and in their communities. Our office is located in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center, Suite 212, right next to the Dean of Students Administrative Office. To receive support, please use the link below to complete our department’s referral form and a case manager will initiate outreach. For more information or additional questions, you can reach us at StudentResources@tarleton.edu or 254-968-9080
Student Resource and Basic Needs can occasionally provide limited emergency financial support to students experiencing unforeseen circumstances that may include but are not limited to:
- Emergency shelter
- Weather and natural-disaster related emergencies like flooding, tornado damage, fires etc.
- Expenses related to emergency medical care
- Short-term transportation assistance
Emergency funding is not available to cover past due tuition or fee balances, current tuition, textbooks, or course materials. Additionally, students who have existing grant or loan money available are not eligible for emergency funds – you are expected to make use of all available resources before requesting emergency funding.
Student Resource and Basic Needs funds are not designated for covering expenses related to a students participation in conferences.
Funds are only available to currently-enrolled students and will not be issued without verifying student status and financial information. Funds are limited and will be awarded based on need and availability.
Funding is available to students one time per academic year, and not more than two times total.
Student Resource and Basic Needs funding requests, as well as Purple Pantry access requests/applications submitted between March 15, 2025 and March 23, 2023 will not be processes until after Spring break, beginning on March 24, 2025.
Mission Statement
Student Resources and Basic Needs, including the Purple Pantry, is transforming generations by empowering students to meet their basic needs in order to increase retention and help more Texans graduate with excellence and career-ready skills.
Vision
The Department of Student Resources and Basic Needs will collaborate to empower and support students facing obstacles across all of our campuses. Obstacles might include issues with rent, transportation, and food etc. We value holistic goodness, retention, and graduation, especially from underrepresented populations, such as first-generation students. We will regularly assess and measure our progress and celebrate student successes. Our end goal is to provide students with a thriving learning environment in which they can graduate and have opportunities that will provide them with economic mobility and security.
Donations
If you would like to donate to the Student Resources and Basic Needs Gift Fund, please click on the link below. Your funds will be used to empower students moving forward by assisting with their needs today. If you have physical donations you would like to bring to the Purple Pantry, please drop them off in Suite 212 of the Student Center, Monday-Friday 8-5.
Academic Materials
Are you experiencing difficulty accessing the materials necessary to complete class? If seeking assistance for textbooks or ways to reduce your course material costs, please explore these resources:
Book Loans are available at the beginning of each academic semesters for students who may need additional assistance in purchasing their textbooks. You may only use this for the purchase of books and supplies at the Tarleton Campus Store located in Stephenville and you must have a Texan Card.
Tarleton offers some courses that utilize open educational resources (free) to help reduce student out-of-pocket costs for textbooks and learning materials. As you explore your courses, you may want to find classes that are using freely available course materials. Learn more about OER options with this OER informational page. See the Tarleton OER Course List.
Child Care Resources (CCAMPIS)
Parenting while pursuing your education can present unique needs. Through Tarleton’s CCAMPIS Program, student-parents may receive assistance with childcare resources. CCAMPIS applications are closed for Fall 24′ and Spring 25′, please check back routinely for any openings.
Tarleton also offers Pregnancy and Parenting Assistance and additional information that might help you on your journey.
Mental Health
Tarleton Student Counseling Services (SCS) offers confidential counseling, clinical assessment and referrals, crisis management, psychiatric services, academic skills counseling, and psychoeducational programming for a comprehensive student population. We provide consultation services to the Tarleton community at the Stephenville campus and the learning centers and are educators and advocates that promote health and wellness.
Financial Wellbeing Resources
Financial well-being involves many resources, explore some of these options:
Through the Texan Smart Financial Center students can attend workshops aimed at improving financial practices and one-on-one financial coaching to aid in the development of individualized personal financial wellness. Our goal is to provide Tarleton students with support and guidance on items pertinent to their financial well-being that will have lasting effects past graduation.
Consider visiting our Career Services team for assistance with resumes, informative workshops, job fairs, and to help you connect to your career potential.
In addition, please consider visiting with the experts in our Tarleton’s Financial Aid office. Learn about your financial aid options and educate yourself about the types of aid, eligibility, and educational funding.
Food Resources
There are several layers of food resources available within your community, as well as various campus services designed to support students.
The Purple Pantry is an essential on-campus resource available to all Tarleton students, operating 24/7 throughout the year. It offers a variety of food, hygiene products, and school supplies at no cost to students.
The Texan Food Security Program, established in honor of Colt Williams, is another valuable on-campus resource. Funded entirely by donations, this program allows Tarleton students to receive up to three meal swipes per day at the on-campus Dining Center, where they can enjoy fully prepared meals. This program ensures that students can discreetly access these meal swipes and utilize them in the same manner as their peers, thereby eliminating any potential stigma or embarrassment.
Housing Resources
Are you experiencing challenges related to off campus housing? We would be happy to meet with you to discuss possible resources. Please contact us at StudentResources@tarleton.edu to learn more.
- Looking for regular campus housing information? Please visit the Residential Living & Learning website.
Non-Academic Resources
We know life does not stop in the classroom. Students may need help with removing Non-Academic Barriers, such as hunger, poverty, clothing, finances, and other basic needs. We may be able to assist you.
Transportation Resources
Transportation challenges can impact many aspects of daily life. To explore resources that may help, please complete our Student Resources & Basic Needs Intake Form. We’ll connect to learn more about your transportation situation.