SHEEO Basic Needs Data Academy
Georgia has been selected as one of seven states to participate in the SHEEO Basic Needs Data Academy. The Basic Needs Data Academy is designed to support state teams as they develop or leverage their existing capacity to define, align, collect, and use basic needs data to improve policy and decision making, engage stakeholders, inform programming and services, and support students.
What is SHEEO? The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) partners with states to shape public policy for higher education. Through collaboration with its members, the organization promotes policies and academic practices that help students pursue education beyond high school and succeed in today’s economy.
What are Basic Needs? For the sake of this project, we use the following definition of basic needs: “Basic needs in higher education encompass the essential resources and conditions that students require to maintain their health, wellbeing, and academic persistence. These needs are foundational to ensure that all students can fully engage in their educational journey and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”
Basic needs refer to secure and dependable access to key resources such as:
● Nutritious and sufficient food
● Safe, stable, and affordable housing, including homelessness prevention and emergency shelter
● Physical, mental, and behavioral health care
● Affordable transportation
● Technology and essential academic materials
● Personal hygiene and living essentials
● Childcare and parenting support (caregiving)
● Financial stability, including access to emergency aid and public benefits
● Legal services and support for navigating public systems. This ecosystem should be easy to
navigate, coordinated across departments, and inclusive of both on-campus and community-based resources.
What is the Basic Needs Data Academy? SHEEO launched the Basic Needs Data Academy to help states improve how they collect and use information on students’ basic needs, such as housing, food, childcare, and more, within postsecondary data systems. This three-year initiative, supported by the ECMC Foundation, includes seven participating states, including Georgia.
The Academy provides guidance and resources for states to:
- Define and standardize basic needs data across agencies and institutions.
- Integrate this information into existing student data systems.
- Use data to inform programs and services that support student success.
By strengthening data practices, the Academy helps states make informed decisions that enhance student experiences and outcomes.
Georgia Basic Needs Data Academy Team:
Core team for participating in Academy events:
- Dr. Angela Bell, Vice Chancellor, Research and Policy Analysis, University System of Georgia
- Jason Bedgood, Embark Georgia Center, Program Coordinator IV, University of Georgia
- Dr. David Meyers, Embark Georgia Center Director, Senior Public Service Faculty, University of Georgia
- Donjai Calhoun, Section Director, Well-Being & Chafee Services, Division of Family and Children Services, Georgia Department of Human Services
- Dr. Jeffrey Waple, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, University System of Georgia
- Lauren Padgett, Executive Director, CARE Services & Health Promotion and Wellness, Kennesaw State University
- Dr. Lori Tiller, Director, M.A. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership (MA NML) Lecturer, University of Georgia
- Kim Ellis, Manager, Student Experience, Technical Education Offices, Technical College System of Georgia
For more information, email dmeyers@uga.edu.
What is Georgia doing?
The Georgia team is developing a pilot survey to be implemented at several higher education institutions in the state to be distributed in the Fall of 2026. These institutions represent the broad mix of higher education options across the state. Participating institutions: Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, Albany State University, Dalton State University.
Helpful links: