What Else Should I Consider?

Understanding a student’s background (e.g., culture, family, academic track, multiple social identities) and developmental stage in their academic career can help bolster awareness of what students may be experiencing in the classroom, increase empathy, and help build community. Students’ comfort level in terms of disclosing may vary, which may impact their access to resources. As some students may be more or less comfortable sharing, let them know that you are supportive of them getting the help they need. While each student is unique, below are some examples of what students may be experiencing. 

• First-Year Student: New geographic location, roommate relationships, transition to college, navigating independence, living on their own for the first time. 

• Graduate/Professional Student: Additional responsibilities, autonomy, financial considerations, impostor syndrome, isolation, parenting and caregiving. 

• Non-Traditional Student: Readjustment to academic setting, finances, worry about succeeding, developing a sense of community at NC State.

• Transfer Student: Adjusting to the rigor of NC State, transition to a new setting, building community, feelings of belonging. 

• Student Veteran/Military-Connected: Adjustment to civilian life, experiences of trauma, stigma around help-seeking.

• First-Generation Student: Culture shock, possible lack of support or understanding from family, pressure to succeed. 

• International Student: Cost of tuition, uncertainty around jobs and visa situation, culture shock, language barriers, homesickness, challenges or inability to return home for the holidays. 

• Low SES Student: Lack of fallback option or safety net, financial considerations, guilt associated with attending school, travel costs during breaks/holidays. 

• Students of Color: Lack of representation and diversity on campus. Feeling like the “only one” in the classroom which may increase pressure to represent an entire group and be the group’s spokesperson. 

• Students with Diverse Religious/Spiritual Beliefs: Navigating the academic calendar with religious holidays, impact of spiritual and religious needs, confirming spaces on campus to practice or express their beliefs.

• Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary, Trans Students: Navigating use of pronouns and names, self-expression, establishing community and support.

• Students with Diverse Sexual Orientations: Development of identity while navigating academic and life demands, self-expression, establishing community and support.