EOP Director Karima Legette appointed University’s homeless liaison
SUNY-wide initiative aims to support students facing housing insecurity

Karima Legette, director of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), has been appointed to the new role of Binghamton University homeless liaison.
As homeless liaison, Legette will serve as the point of contact for students struggling with housing insecurity or homelessness — defined by the State University of New York (SUNY) as a lack of “fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence” — connect them with available resources and advise them to ensure that they are achieving academic success.
“Imagine the challenges students face in achieving academic success when their basic need for a safe, reliable and consistent place to live is unmet,” said Legette. “Housing-insecure students are at a greater risk for semester withdrawals and suspension when they are unable to focus on learning. I am looking forward to connecting with these students and serving as a bridge to the proper place to support their basic needs. Many of these students are high achievers despite the challenges they face. This new role allows for individual attention, advising and encouragement as the University seeks to understand all of the barriers these students face while pursuing a college degree.”
Each of the 64 SUNY campuses will designate its own liaison this fall, making it the largest coordinated effort in the country. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced the initiative at his inaugural State of the University address in late May.
“Karima is a natural fit for the role of homeless liaison,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Brian Rose. “She has been instrumental in the success of students facing housing insecurity in the work that she already does helping students from the foster care system. I know Karima will ensure that any student reaching out to her with housing security concerns will feel supported and ultimately succeed at Binghamton.”
For more information on the resources and support that Binghamton University provides for students, visit the Dean of Students website.