About Us
The Basic Needs Collective
Mission
We support student well-being and success. As a coordinated resource referral hub, we educate and connect students to campus and community resources to help them meet their basic needs.
Process
As a central location for resource referrals related to basic needs, we aim to help students attain and sustain optimal physical and mental health, personal connections, meaningful experiences and promote wellness as a key to student success.
Vision
Support student learning through education, capacity building, and supportive resources so they may achieve their academic potential, complete their degrees, and succeed in their future goals.
Our Team
A part of Student Affairs at The University of Utah, our service area is housed under The Dean of Students Office. We emphasize the collective nature and effort it takes to support students' needs.
Martha Hernandez
Basic Needs Manager
Martha Hernandez (she/her/ella) is a University of Utah alumna. She graduated from Salt Lake Community College with an Associate of Arts in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in History Teaching from the University of Utah. Martha is thrilled to be part of the BNC team! Through her work at the Basic Needs Collective, Martha supports student well-being and success by helping students learn about and connect with campus and community resources to help them meet their basic needs. Through her manager role, Martha provides logistical oversight for the Basic Needs Collective, supports the Basic Needs team, and works on building sustainable relationships with campus and community partners to secure resources for students. She believes in the importance of supporting students in meeting their basic needs to foster academic success, retention, and degree completion. Martha is a teacher at heart and life-long learner who enjoys reading, visiting new places, and learning new languages.
Liz Chavez-Diaz
Basic Needs Resource Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
Yeshi Tsering
Basic Needs Intern
My name is Yeshi Tsering, and I am a second-year student at the University of Utah majoring in Finance. The BNC intrigued me because I’m passionate about being involved on campus and building stronger connections within the university community. I see BNC as a meaningful way to both support students and grow in my own leadership and service. Being involved across campus has been an important part of my college experience, and through BNC I’m excited to continue contributing while learning how to better support the needs of my peers. I’ve lived in Utah my whole life, and outside of school I enjoy spending time in nature, going on hikes, playing basketball, and being with friends and family.
Partner Offices
Each one of our partner offices brings specialized knowledge to the BNC, which allows us to provide students with the resources and tools they need to succeed. Learn more about each of the offices that help make our work possible.