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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: June 8, 2020
It is important to consider some of the common challenges your student will face as they prepare to start life at Tech. Common challenges for new students include “imposter syndrome” (fear that their acceptance was a mistake or that they are not smart enough), perfectionism and fear of making mistakes, and stress that results from overcommitment and a desire to become involved in too many new activities.
At Georgia Tech, we understand these challenges. Ariyanna White, a case manager at Tech’s Center for Assessment, Referral, and Education (CARE), says students need to be alert to these challenges as well. “College is such an exciting new opportunity in a person’s life,” she said. “Amidst all of this excitement, it’s important for students to have balance and perspective so that they can manage challenges and turn them into successes.”
Too much stress can contribute negatively to a student’s motivation, social relationships, and overall academic success. Many students feel overwhelmed and underprepared to deal with stress in addition to all the new responsibilities and the expectations of college.
The most common areas of stress a college student may experience falls in the following categories:
All of these stressors may be compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, as students seek to navigate the “new normal.” Whether your student will remain at home with you or is packing up to move onto campus, this new layer of stress should be met with patience and understanding. Tameka Collins, another CARE case manager, says parents can help. “One of the most invaluable tools a student has is their parent’s support,” she said. “That can be as simple as listening and offering a non-judgmental ear.” Parents can also support their student by encouraging them to seek help.
Georgia Tech’s Center for Assessment Referral and Education (CARE) is available to provide immediate support and connect students to the right resources. CARE is the single-entry point for mental health and well-being resources both on- and off- campus and is the first step in accessing counseling, psychiatry, and a range of other services.
CARE opened as a new department in August 2019 to reduce barriers to mental health and well-being resources on campus. CARE is available to support students with a variety of concerns including time management, stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, academic distress and relationship issues, and medication management.
CARE’s operational hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to5 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently, CARE is offering telebehavioral health assessments for students in Georgia and consultations for students physically located outside of Georgia. After hours services are available on-campus for urgent needs beyond regular operating hours. To learn more, contact the CARE office at 404.894.3498.