Student Support at Carolina Nursing | UNC School of Nursing

Because Student Success Matters—In and Beyond the Classroom

You don’t have to navigate challenges alone.

At the UNC School of Nursing, your success, well-being, and growth are at the heart of what we do. Whether you are working through an academic challenge, managing a personal concern, or facing an unexpected life event, we are here to help.

Our goal is simple: connect you with the right support at the right time so you can thrive as a student, future nurse, and leader.

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) coordinates student support across the School of Nursing and can help connect you with resources within the SON, across UNC-Chapel Hill, or in the community.

Where Do I Start?

When a challenge or concern arises, use the guide below to determine where to turn.

🚨 1. Is there an immediate threat to safety?

Examples: Immediate danger to yourself or someone else, serious medical emergency, or another life-threatening situation.

Call 911 immediately.

Your safety comes first. Once the immediate emergency has been addressed, contact the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs so the School of Nursing can provide appropriate follow-up and support.

📚 2. Are you experiencing an academic challenge?

Examples: Difficulty understanding coursework, preparing for an exam, managing your time, or keeping up with course expectations.

You have several resources available:

Start with your course faculty.
Your faculty can help clarify course expectations, answer questions about course content, and identify academic strategies.

Connect with the Student Success & Retention Coordinator.
They can help you identify strategies and resources to support your academic progress.

Meet with the Carolina Nursing Center for Student Success.
Our Academic Coaches provide individualized support, strategies, and tools to help you succeed.

Remember: Asking for help early is a strength—not a sign that you are struggling alone.

💙 3. Are you experiencing a mental health or well-being concern?

You don’t have to manage it by yourself.

Start with the SON Embedded Counselor.

The Embedded Counselor is available to provide support and help you determine what resources may be most appropriate for your needs.

If the Embedded Counselor is unavailable or you need additional support, connect with UNC Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

If you are experiencing an emergency or are in immediate danger, call 911.

🤝 4. Do you need help with another concern?

Examples: Financial stress, food or housing concerns, personal challenges, non-emergency health concerns, or other circumstances affecting your ability to be successful.

Submit a Student Support Referral

The referral system helps the Office of Student Affairs understand what you are experiencing and connect you with the appropriate resources.

Referral forms are reviewed:

Within 24 hours on weekdays
Within 48 hours on weekends

If your concern is time-sensitive and cannot wait, contact the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs directly.

SON Student Support Referrals

The UNC School of Nursing’s Student Support Referral System provides focused, coordinated support for students navigating challenges that may affect their academic progress, well-being, or overall student experience.

Referrals can help connect you with support related to:

📚 Academics

Academic challenges, progression concerns, learning support, or other barriers to academic success.

🌱 Co-Curricular Support

Personal, financial, professional, or other circumstances that may affect your experience as a nursing student.

Who can submit a referral?

Anyone can submit a referral—including you.

Referrals may be submitted by:

Students
Faculty
Staff
Clinical preceptors

All referrals are reviewed by trained staff in the Office of Student Affairs, who coordinate appropriate follow-up and outreach.

We handle referrals with discretion, compassion, and care.

A note about safety and reporting

Some concerns require additional action under University policy. Reports involving harassment, discrimination, or violence may be shared with the UNC Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office (EOC) as required by University policy.

Imminent threats to safety must be reported to 911.

Well-Being, Safety & Support Resources

🍼 Lactation & Meditation Room + –

The School of Nursing provides a lactation and meditation room for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Location: ITS Manning, 5th Floor

The room includes:

Comfortable seating
Refrigerator
Electrical outlet
Meditation resources

No registration is required. When the room is occupied, a sign may be placed on the door.

Access to the space is maintained by the Office of Student Affairs.

🥫 Jessica’s Cupboard + –

Located in the 2800 Suite of ITS Manning, Jessica’s Cupboard is a food and personal-item pantry available specifically to nursing students.

The pantry is accessible 24/7 with One Card access to the building.

Jessica’s Cupboard was created in honor of Jessica Lambert, a staff member who dedicated herself to supporting students experiencing food insecurity.

This is a confidential, stigma-free resource. If you need it, please use it.

💰 Financial Hardship Fund + –

The SON Financial Hardship Fund provides limited financial assistance to students experiencing a financial emergency who have been denied funding through the UNC Student Emergency Fund.

Covered Expenses

Covered Expenses May Include:

Utilities or essential household expenses
Medical emergencies
Academic essentials (e.g., books)
Travel due to family illness or death
Temporary housing
Replacement of belongings due to theft or disaster

Not Covered:

Tuition, fees, insurance
Entertainment or non-essential travel
Parking tickets

Eligibility

Currently enrolled in a SON degree or certificate program
Experiencing an emergency or unplanned financial hardship
Exhausted other funding resources

Application Process

Provide documentation of denial from the UNC Emergency Fund
Submit explanation of financial need to the Assistant Dean
Meet with OSA staff if requested

Typical awards range from $100–$1,000, depending on available funds and individual circumstances.

Approved funds are disbursed to the student’s account through the UNC Cashier’s Office.

Questions? Contact:

Kacy McAdoo
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
ksmcadoo@unc.edu
919.962.8981

We’re here for you.

Every student’s journey is different. You may have an academic challenge, a difficult week, an unexpected life event, or simply a question about where to turn.

You do not have to figure it out alone.

Reaching out early can make a difference. If you’re not sure which resource is right for you, contact the Office of Student Affairs. We’ll help you find your next step.

Your success matters.

Your well-being matters.

And you belong here.

We’re here for you—through nursing school and beyond.