Knight Help

Student Care at Middle Georgia State University is committed to providing care and assistance to students who may need additional support during challenging times to ensure all of our students thrive. Knight Help was designed to provide information and various avenues of assistance to students who are in need of help or do not know where to go for help.

If you are looking for help, review the categories below for a concern that fits your situation to see what assistance is available.

Academics     Finances     Food     Mental Health 

Can’t find what you need? Reach out to Student Care for individualized support and guidance at studentcare@mga.edu or (478) 757-2264.

 

"I have been impacted by the government shutdown. Where can I go for help?"

Campus Resources

The Knights’ Table

Provides free non-perishable, refrigerated, and personal care items. The Knights’ Table has two on-campus pantries where individuals can browse and take what items they need. The Knights’ Table also provides online requests for pre-packaged food bags to be picked up from designated food lockers across all campuses. Thanksgiving and holiday food bags will be available this year.

Locations:

  • Macon Campus – Student Life Center, Room 262
  • Cochran Campus – Welch Hall, Room 103

Food Lockers:

Student Care at MGA
Offers guidance and support related to financial emergencies, housing insecurity, and mental health.

Programs include:

  • Dining Dollars Program: $500 in campus dining funds for eligible commuter students. Contact studentcare@mga.edu.
  • Single Stop: 15-minute screener for state and federal benefits. Access Single Stop.
  • Embark Georgia: Coaching and support for students who have experienced foster care or homelessness.
  • Learn more about Student Care

Counseling & Accessibility Services
Confidential counseling and 24/7 support:

Center for Career & Leadership Development
Assists with resumes, interview prep, and job searches to support career and financial stability.

Community Resources

 

"I can't afford my groceries this month. Where can I go for help?"

The Knights’ Table, MGA’s food pantry, provides food and personal hygiene products for students, staff, and faculty at MGA who are in need. Visit one of our two on-campus locations (room 282 of the Student Life Center on the Macon Campus or Welch Hall on the Cochran Campus) or request a pre-packaged food bag or personal care kit to be prepared for you. For more information please visit the Knights' Table website or contact the Knights’ Table at (478) 757-2264 or .  

Student Care offers a dining dollars program to commuter students who are facing food insecurity and who have also experienced housing insecurity and/or foster care in the past. They can provide 20 students with $500 of dining dollars. If you are interested or meet the criteria above, please reach out to the Student Care Case Manager at (478) 757-2264 or at . 

Student Care also works with students to connect them to local resources including food pantries, free meal programs, and grocery assistance programs in the surrounding community. You can explore options by viewing Student Care’s Community Resources Page or by using MGA’s Single Stop resource finder to search for local resources.

 

"My tuition is due and I'm not sure I can pay it. Who can I ask for help?"

Make sure you make an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid to review what aid, grants, loans, or scholarships you may be eligible for and check to see if you have accepted all aid and loans for which you are eligible. The Bursar’s Office may be able to assist you with a payment plan, make sure you check with them to see if you are eligible.

Student Care also works with students to connect them to on-campus and off-campus resources that may be able to help assist you financially. You can explore options by viewing Student Care’s Community Resources Page, by using MGA’s Single Stop resource finder to search for local resources, or make an appointment with Student Care at (478) 757-2264 or at . 

 

"I need help with paying my bills. Where can I go for help?"

Student Care works with students to connect them to on-campus and off-campus resources that may be able to help assist you financially including utility and rent assistance. You can explore options by viewing:

  • MGA’s Single Stop Benefit Screener - a 15-minute state and federal benefit screener that will allow students to see if they are eligible for assistance programs. Student Care works alongside Single Stop to provide assistance for students throughout the application process.
  • MGA’s Single Stop resource finder – provides a local resources search function by zip code and category of need. This resource finder may be particularly helpful for commuter and online students.  
  • Student Care’s Community Resources Page – list local community resources by campus location.
  • Get individualized assistance by making an appointment with Student Care at (478) 757-2264 or at . 

 

"I'm struggling in my classes. Where can I go for help?"

Middle Georgia State University provides several options for academic support.

  1. The Student Success Center offers tutors (professional and peer certified), online study resources, professional and peer panels, and the opportunity to chat with a tutor. The Student Success Center also provides academic success coaching in order to build student’s academic skills, connect students to resources, and provide support systems that allows students to succeed.
  2. The Writing Center is a free service that provides one-on-one consultations to assist students with all types of writing by providing feedback, offering suggestions, and explaining concepts in grammar and documentation (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).
  3. MARC, or Mathematics Academic Resource Center is equipped with computers, textbooks, whiteboards, calculators, and study notes to provide students with space to study and receive tutoring in MATH 1000-2000 courses and MATH 3700.  Tutoring can be in person or online, by appointment or walk-in.
  4. MGA Library provides access to resources, services, spaces and tools that fulfill students’ information needs.
  5. Accessibility Services assist students who need accessibility accommodations related to a documented disability including classroom accommodations, testing accommodations, and use of assisted technology. 
  6. Academic Advising can provide guidance on your class schedule and help you determine what options may be available to you including withdrawal if you do not think you will be able to pass your class.  
  7. Faculty Office Hours should be listed on the syllabus for each class if students would like to get individualized assistance from their professors outside of class times.

 

"I'm struggling balancing classes with work. Who can I ask for help?"

  • Academic Advising can provide guidance on your class schedule and what options you may have for course load and classes.
  • The Student Success Center provides Academic Success Coaches who can assist with study schedules, study skills, and time management.
  • Student Care works with students to connect them to on-campus and off-campus resources that can assist with success coaching, time management, and skill development.
  • MGA Counseling Services can provide in-person appointments with our licensed professional counselors that offer academic and non-academic support related to learning, physical, chronic health, and psychologic issues.  

 

"I'm worried about a friend on campus. How can I help?"

Express your concerns and offer your support. Listen. Avoid judgment and know your limits. Make sure to provide resources to your friend including those listed below.

If you believe your friend is in danger of hurting themselves or others, please call 911 or campus police immediately at (478) 471-2414.

Mental Health Support Services:

  1. MGA COUNSELING SERVICES provides in-person appointments with our licensed professional counselors.
  2. TOGETHERALL is a free online peer-to-peer platform offering a safe, anonymous space to give and get support, moderated by trained professionals 24/7.
  3. BEWELL@MGA provides students with 24/7 free immediate access to teletherapy via a licensed mental health counselor by calling 833-646-1526
  4. GEORGIA CRISIS AND ACCESS LINE (GCAL) provides a 24/7 hotline for accessing mental health services in Georgia, by phone at 1-800-715-4225 or visiting them online at www.mygcal.com.
  5. CRISIS TEXT LINE is a free 24/7 text line for people in crisis, monitored by trained mental health counselors.  Text GA to 741741.

If you are struggling with how to respond to mental health issues and would like to participate in training to learn how to identify and recognize warning signs, how to reach out to those struggling with mental health issues, and how to connect them to resources and support please review the link below for three free training courses.  

University System of Georgia’s Mental Health Trainings