Nigel Cares: Help for student success

By Dr. James C. Conneely

Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

As we begin the new academic year at the University of North Georgia (UNG), I would like to introduce you to an exciting new initiative, Nigel Cares.

Nigel Cares is our approach to helping all fellow Nighthawks maintain a focus on wellness (intellectual, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual) that will allow you to be successful inside and outside the classroom.

Nigel Cares is dedicated to providing programs, services, and workshops that help you overcome barriers and obstacles to your success.

As you have a chance to view the listing of services and workshops associated with Nigel Cares, please understand that they are focused on meeting your needs as an individual, and assisting you in developing a plan for success at UNG.

As components of Nigel Cares, UNG will provide additional mental and wellness services to support you whenever you need it, including a 24/7/365 support line to speak with a counselor anytime you need help, support or guidance. It includes a virtual and in-person treatment program, virtual psychiatric assessment and medication management at no cost to you (with referral). Personal navigators can connect you to treatment and support services with UNG's on-campus providers or off-campus services. You can also access UNG's wellness hub, an online magazine with relevant wellness tips and  content.

Our charge to you is to let us know how we can help and what you need. We have services such as tutoring, counseling, advising and academic success coaching that can help you be successful. We also will provide programs about connecting to campus and to each other, healthy relationships, wellness, preparing for finals, and other topics. These topics will be featured biweekly in the Tuesday edition of the Inside UNG newsletter.

You are important to the UNG family and to us. We want you to be successful. How you approach this year must be comfortable for you, but we do strongly encourage you to:

• Reach out to friends and professionals when needed.
• Manage stress. Some stress is beneficial, but do not let it get overwhelming.
• Select one or two programs to attend.
• Go to events and take advantage of the "Nigel Cares" offerings.
• Pick one department (academic or non-academic) and commit to learning more about what they do and how they can assist you this year.
• Most importantly, take care of yourself: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually!

Nigel Cares is here for you when you need support! Call 833-910-3368 or visit the Nigel Cares webpage.