Support for Basic Needs, Mental Health, and Wellness
Students are people first with dynamic and complex lives, and the colleges and universities of Minnesota State are here to support students through every step of their educational journey. “Life” happens as students make progress towards their academic goals. It’s normal to experience mental health challenges, grief and loss, housing and food insecurity, as well as challenges related to finances, health and wellness, child and family care, transportation, and access to technology. Minnesota State is committed to providing equitable access to supports for all our students: who you are, where you are, as you are.
You’ve got this. We’ve got you.
Support for Mental Health
It took you a couple of clicks to get here. It may take you a few more clicks to find what you need. But keep scrolling... You've got this. We've got you. If this is an emergency, if you don't know where to turn for help, or if this feels like something that you can't figure out on your own, call 911 or 988 immediately.
Mantra Health Whole Campus Care
Minnesota State students can access support for their mental health through a partnership with Mantra Health at no cost to themselves. Mantra Health Whole Campus Care provides students with access to: self-paced, self-care practices; 24/7 peer support communities through Togetherall; 24/7 access to ConnectNow for in-the-moment emotional needs as well as urgent care, crisis response and de-escalation; campus-based and community resources for basic needs support; navigation and triage; wellness coaching; 12 clinical therapy sessions every year; and referrals for specialty clinical care.
Students can log in directly or can be referred for virtual care by an on-campus clinician at their school. Once signed up, through their Care Hub, students can freely navigate self-care; do video or phone visits for emotional support or crisis care; refer friends to Mantra for support; schedule their own therapy appointments; and access campus and community resources for mental health, wellness, and basic needs.
Current students should visit their college or university’s counseling and/or basic needs websites to find their school’s link to sign up for Mantra. Current students can also email hi@mantrahealth.com or call 800-464-2083 for help finding and setting up their accounts, and getting started with services. Minnesota State faculty and staff can get more information on Minnesota State Connect.
Support for Basic Needs
Minnesota State believes that basic needs security is essential to students' wellbeing and is committed to providing resources that can help promote success inside and outside of the classroom. Resources include emergency grants, and support for housing insecurity, food insecurity, personal finances, childcare and parenting, health care and mental health care access and insurance, transportation, and technology and internet access.
Free and Confidential, 24/7/365
Students who access basic needs support and resources are more likely to experience academic success and persist to achieve their academic goals. Minnesota State partnered with the United Way to increase access to basic needs resources for our students. United Way 211 provides free and confidential support and referrals to resources for your basic needs, 24/7/365 no matter where you are. To learn more and explore resources that may be available, visit the 211 website.
Get help for yourself or someone you care about by texting your zip code or MNHELP to 898211, or by calling 2-1-1 today.
Basic Needs: Finances
A late payment on a bill, expensive required course materials, or unexpected expenses are all expenses that can send college students’ finances into chaos. Your Minnesota State college or university can help. From emergency grant programs, to access to community resources like 2-1-1, reach out for help with financial planning, responding to family emergencies, and financial wellness coaching.
Emergency Grants: The State of Minnesota provides funding to each of the 33 Minnesota State colleges and Universities to provide emergency grants to students for help with personal emergencies like unexpected healthcare costs or childcare costs after a job loss. For information on what is covered and how to apply, contact the Dean of Students Office at your college or university.
Student Employment: Student jobs are opportunities for students to gain skills, make connections, and deepen their involvement at their schools, all while earning a paycheck. Students can gain employment on campus in work study positions, as student help, as unclassified student workers, and as graduate assistants. Contact your college or university for information on available student employment opportunities.
Taxes and Payroll: As a student of Minnesota State, you may qualify for educational tax benefits or credits. Minnesota State provides the 1098-T form which can assist you with filing for these benefits/credits. This web page will provide you with information on U.S. Federal and state income taxes in Minnesota.
Basic Needs: Food
Students should not have to sacrifice access to regular, healthy, culturally appropriate meals in order to succeed while in college. To help reduce food insecurity among students, all 33 Minnesota State colleges and universities have food pantries or cupboards, and most have referral support to community-based agencies that can help students access services like Minnesota SNAP and additional community services.
Basic Needs: Housing
Housing insecurity is among the most common experiences of basic needs insecurity had by college students across the country. Campus-based Housing and Residence Life programs represent affordable living options, catering to traditional-aged college students. Housing and Residence Life programs are available at six of the seven Minnesota State universities, and several of the colleges. To learn about options for support, contact the Dean of Students, Basic Needs, or Residence Life professionals at your college or university.
Basic Needs: Healthcare and Insurance
Many state colleges and universities have health services available to students. Some have on-campus health centers, and some contract with a community health center to provide care for students. Every student is encouraged to have health/medical insurance coverage. For more specific information regarding available health services, contact the college or university you are interested in attending.
Basic Needs: Childcare and Parenting
Childcare is available right on campus at most state colleges and universities and financial aid is available for those who qualify. Courses offered at night and on weekends make it easier for students who are parents to work and go to school. Many campuses have special orientation programs for non-traditional students, designed specifically to meet the needs of students who have been away from education for several years or who are older than traditional students and may have families of their own. Learn about resources for parenting students by calling 2-1-1 or contact your college or university’s Basic Needs professionals.
Support at Your College or University
All thirty-three colleges and universities of Minnesota State have myriad supports, resources, and people trained and ready to help students access the tools they need to create success and wellness while they’re in college. Some have Counseling or Student Health Centers. All have on-campus food pantries or cupboards. Find your college or university below to explore the services and resources available to you.
- Alexandria Technical & Community College
- Anoka Technical College
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College
- Bemidji State University
- Central Lakes College
- Century College
- Dakota County Technical College
- Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College
- Hennepin Technical College
- Inver Hills Community College
- Lake Superior College
- Metro State University
- Minneapolis College
- Minnesota North College
- Minnesota State College Southeast
- Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Minnesota West Community & Technical College
- Normandale Community College
- North Hennepin Community College
- Northland Community & Technical College
- Northwest Technical College
- Pine Technical & Community College
- Ridgewater College
- Riverland Community College
- Rochester Community and Technical College
- Saint Paul College
- St. Cloud State University
- St. Cloud Technical & Community College
- South Central College
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- Winona State University
Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice
The Office of Equity and Inclusion at Minnesota State fosters learning and working environments that prioritize equity, inclusion, and belonging for all members of campus communities. Through training, consultation, and policy development, Minnesota State works to enhance student success through positive campus climates. Learn about multicultural supports, affinity groups, support for identity, support for students with historically underserved, marginalized, and rising identities, and advocacy available at your college or university.
Accessibility on Campus
Many students who live with disabilities create success at Minnesota State. From accessible buildings and learning spaces, to assistive technology, to counseling, coaching, and advocacy: accessibility is a value of Minnesota State’s inclusive spaces. To learn about what types of accommodations and supports are available and how to request them, speak with the Accessibility Coordinator at your college or university.
Violence Prevention and Title IX
Minnesota State is committed to building healthy and safe campus cultures where all people can equitably access success and wellness. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive financial assistance from the federal government. This includes protection for students, educators and school employees against all forms of sex or gender discrimination, including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, other forms of sexual misconduct, stalking and retaliation. To learn about your college or university’s violence prevention programs and policies, contact your Title IX Coordinator, talk to a health professional on campus, or your Dean of Students.
Campus Support for Emergencies
When an emergency occurs on campus, every Minnesota State college and university has professionals who are trained and prepared to respond and provide immediate and ongoing support for students. From Campus Security, to the Dean of Students Office, to advocates in Offices of Equity and Inclusion and Title IX, there are many doors open to students who may need to report an incident or ask for help in the wake of one. Contact your college or universities Campus Security or Dean of Students Office to learn about your Student Code of Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities, and about your college or university’s BIT, BAIT, or CARE coordinated campus response.