Another two students will be able to access scholarships this year thanks to the generosity of staff who have signed up for the Staff Workplace Giving program.
In just one week, five staff have committed to making donations from their fortnightly pay, and as a result the Matthew Flinders Scholarship Fund will be bolstered by nearly $4,000 a year.
“This strong initial response demonstrates the difference that a collective approach can make” says Director of Alumni and Advancement, Callista Thillou.
“It also reflects the deep commitment our staff have for our students and their generosity and genuinely caring nature. On behalf of the University – and particularly our students – I express heartfelt thanks. Our staff donors are proof that our student centred ethos and our values truly are lived at Flinders.”
“The Matthew Flinders Scholarship program was launched earlier this month and already 980 applications have been received, three-quarters of them from international students who have been especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect that number to continue to rise as the last date for applications approaches on Sunday 26 April.
“We know that as a result of the pandemic, our students are struggling on many fronts – a lot of them have lost the part time work they need to support themselves in their studies, and even the basics like food and rent are a challenge. For international students this is amplified by their separation from family, who might also be facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 and thus can’t provide them with a financial safety net” Ms Thillou says.
“We understand the urgency to support our students so that they can continue their studies –applications will be assessed from next week and support for students in the form of $2,000 scholarships will begin to flow soon after.”
The Staff Workplace Giving Program provides an option for Flinders University staff members to make a regular donation to support our students. Set up via the payroll system, the pre-tax salary sacrifice deduction also has the effect of reducing taxable income.