MCC: Meeting students' academic and personal challenges
With student well-being in focus, Meridian Community College proactively takes academic and personal difficulties head-on.
"We know now more than ever our students are going through much more than we did when we were in college – especially coming off of COVID," said Deanna Smith, dean of student affairs at MCC. "We want to do everything we can to help students be successful, and part of that is taking care of their mental health as well," she said.
Nationwide, more than 50 percent of community college students screened positive for symptoms of one or more mental health conditions, according to a 2021 article published by the American Psychiatric Association.
To that end, MCC offers practical support for students' mental health needs. Smith noted are many opportunities in place for students to take care of their mental health, including taking advantage of the partnerships the College has with local agencies. Students get six free visits with Weems Community Mental Health Center; with the Psychology Associates clinic, students receive four free visits.
And at the end of September, the College will have in place TimelyCare, a 24/7 virtual counseling option for students. "They can choose the counselor they want to talk to, and all students can access it whether they are enrolled part-time or full-time," Smith said.
Smith added, "Whether they are nervous about a test or have some serious thing going on, they can reach out any time of the day and talk to a counselor."
There's also the national 988 mental health crisis line for students who want to speak, text, or chat with trained counselors who can provide support and resources.
Smith said sometimes a student has basic needs that should be addressed, and the College has a pantry that’s stocked with food, clothing, and toiletries, and sometimes gas cards are available. “We're trying to meet students where ever they are because we know if students don't have their basic needs met, then they are not able to concentrate in class, and they’re not able to be successful," Smith said.
Wendy Cox, MCC support services coordinator, oversees the pantry that's located in Todd Hall, Room 120.
Assisting with College's accessibility services is Jeanette Howell, CTE support services coordinator. "Any student who has any accessibility issues – maybe they need extra time on a test, or they need a private area, or they need their test read to them, those students can self-identify, and Jeanette Howell can help them create a plan with how to best be successful in whatever class or program they are in," said Smith.
Visit meridiancc.edu/resource to learn more.