Please note that this is an on-going project.
Project Description
The Cost of Living website was updated to address the complexity of financial pressures that are impacting Griffith University students. The aim of the project was to make it easier for students to access information and support that will help address their financial issues.
The website incorporates services from Griffith University and the community services and supports that compliment them. Given the broad range of services that exist, and the complexity and intersectionality of the issues people experience, it was also important that the information was presented in a simplified way.
The website is in two main parts. The first is the Servicer Filter, that provides a shortlist of services and supports that can be engaged based on some brief questions about the area of need and basic demographic information.
The second is a series of four pages that resource and educate students about the strategies and services that can help set them up for success while they study. This includes practical skills like budgeting and building financial literacy, as well as services at Griffith and in the community that can provide support.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The project was designed and implemented by Hugh Rose-Miller, the Welfare Co-ordinator, with technical and design support from Charntel Cleveland. Neele Braas helped to create and design the Support filter.
The project builds on the work of the Financial Welfare Network. This network is a community of staff from all areas of the university who have come together to create a community of practice focussed on ensuring our students have access to the best possible financial welfare assistance.
Members of the network are from diverse backgrounds and roles at the university and include all campuses, schools, welfare service areas and staff levels. They have contributed through the sharing of information, providing feedback on the website and promoting it through their networks.
Outcomes to Date
A recent survey of students included very positive feedback on the design and content of the website. This is reflected by an increase in traffic to the website.
Project Significance
Poverty in student populations is an increasingly large issue across Australia, with many students unable to continue their studies due to poverty and cost of living pressures.
This project contributes to achieving the SDGs by addressing poverty in the student population, and overcoming barriers to help-seeking, such as shame, embarrassment and social isolation. This website reduces the mental load of navigating a complex support system while juggling study and any personal issues the student may be experiencing. In doing so it empowers the student and reduces the frustration of contacting multiple services trying to find one that will meet their needs.
A key premise in this project was that while Griffith provides a broad range of high quality supports for students, it is important that students are also aware of external services that might assist them. A recent survey at Griffith University showed that not only were students unaware of many of the services available to them, but they were also reluctant to ask for help.