Essential needs, or basic needs, refers to the most essential resources required to be successful as a student at the University of Maryland, including food and housing security. The Dean of Students Office is committed to an educational environment where every student thrives, and to providing both short-term emergency support and long-term support services that address essential needs crises and impact health, well-being, belonging, and academic success. We leverage a campus-wide collaboration that utilizes on and off-campus partnerships and provides direct referrals based on each student’s unique circumstances. We engage students in active partnership as they navigate their UMD experience and strive toward their academic and career goals.