Support for Students: A List of Helpful Resources From Student Ambassadors

Between the ongoing pandemic, online classes, finals week, and everything else, we could all use some support. Fortunately, our campus community has us covered in many ways. I wanted to write this article to highlight some of the different resources available to students, ranging from SNAP applications to a Moodle course to help identify potential career options. There is a lot to take advantage of here and the more people are aware of these resources the better that we all are as a community. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I would argue that there is something on it for everyone to benefit from. 

Here is a link to North Carolina’s SNAP benefits application. Even if you do not think you are eligible- check anyways. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic eligibility has expanded and students qualify under separate standards. If you need help filling out the application, call (855)240-1451. 

Here is a link to the Pack Essentials website. If you are experiencing food or housing insecurity, need legal advice, a computer, or other resources then his website is the most complete list of essential resources. 

Here is a link to the Student Ombuds website. The Student Ombuds work on an individual basis to provide guidance, a listening ear, and/or tools for managing conflict. The link will take you to a page explaining more in-depth about what an Ombuds does and does not do. You can make an appointment with an Ombuds by calling 919-513-3401 or emailing student-ombuds@ncsu.edu. 

Here is a link to the counseling center’s ‘getting started’ page. Here you will find how to set up an appointment with a counselor who will meet with you to discuss your individual needs and work with you to make a plan for going forward. Additionally, here is a link to the counseling center’s off-campus referral search engine. If you need a more specialized provider, long-term service, or prefer a provider off-campus, this is a great tool to narrow your search.

Here is a link to the career center’s page for the Career Identity Program. This is a program done through Moodle that is designed to help students figure out what major and/or career may be right for them. Through various activities and “assignments,” students can better understand their skills and interests and how they could fit into a meaningful and fulfilling career. The more activities students complete the more points they earn toward certificates and rewards. I personally have completed this module and found it incredibly useful, especially as I come up on my senior year. 

CHASS career representative Sarah Wild specifically has been especially helpful to some of the other ambassadors with resumes and other career-prep! Here is a link to a past newsletter article featuring an interview with Sarah Wild, written by student ambassador Sydney Powell.

Feed the Pack, the on-campus food pantry, is located at 2221 Dunn Avenue. Their operating hours are Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, and Friday’s from 12- 6 pm. This is a link to Feed the Pack’s website which has a list of several more important resources as well as what items they need and what items they do not need for donations. 

*If you are off-campus but would still like to donate supplies to Feed the Pack, this is a link to Feed the Pack’s Amazon Wishlist that is kept up to date with their most needed items.*

Here is a link to the PEAK program webpage. PEAK stands for Pack Essentials Ally Knowledge and is a program designed to aid faculty, staff, and students in better understanding food and housing security. While primarily designed for staff, student organizations can also complete the program and become certified allies to better serve their organization and the broader NC State community.  

Here is a link to NC State’s Concerning Behavior Referral form. This is a form that allows you to anonymously (or not) refer an individual who you are concerned about to a case manager who will review the report and contact the individual with the necessary support information. Make note that this is not for emergency situations.

Here is a link to a page explaining how to apply for CURE2 emergency grant funding. Funds were given to higher education institutions in order to support students during the COVID-19 crisis. Grants are given to help pay for food, technology, rent, and other necessities. See the linked page for more information on who is eligible and how to apply. 

Here is a link to A Place at the Table’s website. A Place at the Table is a pay-what-you-can cafe located in downtown Raleigh- founded and owned by NC State alumna Maggie Kane! Table Raleigh has a wide variety of delicious food available to anyone regardless of their means to pay. To learn more about the pay-what-you-can model check out the linked website. Chips for A Place at the Table can also be found at Feed the Pack!

Here is a link to the Academic Success Center’s  website for scheduling tutoring appointments. Appointments are virtual and free to students. The center is not just limited to STEM courses; it also offers writing support! More information about the writing center can be found here. 

Once again, this list is no where near exhaustive. Rather, these are some, perhaps lesser-known, resources available to students that are worth spreading and checking out. In this time of heightened need, it is more important than ever to ensure that the appropriate resources are made available to those who need them. As members of the NC State community, we each have a responsibility to take care of ourselves and one another; the Pack as a whole is stronger when all its members are supported. 

This post was written by Carly Richardson, a junior studying sociology and political science and a Department of Sociology and Anthropology student ambassador.