Student Basic Needs
Student Affairs is here to help.
Basic needs are the foundation of a successful academic journey and the Division of Student Affairs is here to help when that foundation feels unsteady. Under the direction of Vice President, Dr. Don Robertson, the Division of Student Affairs has formed a Student Affairs Collaborative Care team to coordinate services and initiatives that support the overall well-being and basic needs of our students. As a collaborative, we work to identify service gaps, streamline assistance for students, and provide resources and opportunities to our campus community.
Below you will find on-campus basic needs support, on-campus mental health support resources, and off-campus basic needs support.
Give a gift to Support Collaborative Care →
Student Affairs Basic Needs Support
These Student Affairs units provide direct resources to Murray State students in support of their basic needs.
Racers Helping Racers Food Pantry: Includes both food and toiletry items. Pantries are located on the Murray State Main Campus and the Hopkinsville Regional Campus.
The Oakley Resource Center, Suite C102 Oakley Applied Science, offers a wide range of basic needs resources, community and campus referrals, and Campus Thrift!
- Toiletry Needs - period products, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
- Cold Weather Needs - winter coats, gloves, winter hats, cold/flu care items
- Laundry Needs - single load detergent packs, dorm laundry kits
- Cleaning Needs - dorm essential cleaning items
- Bra Closet - gently-used bras in a variety of sizes
Open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.
This program has been created with the combined efforts of the Student Government Association, the University's Information Systems Office and the Procurement Office. A student who shows genuine need for laptop use may submit a physical application or online application to the Center for Student Involvement where a committee shall review the application and will make a decision regarding the possible admission into the Laptop Bank program. If a student is admitted into the program, a contract will be signed allowing a laptop to be LOANED to a student. At the end of the semester, the laptop must be returned to the Center for Student Involvement. The same student may request to have the laptop loaned to them another semester. This request must be submitted in writing to the Center for Student Involvement. If anyone has any questions regarding this program, please contact Kade Gambill, Coordinator for Student Activities at 270.809.6987 or msu.studentorganizations@murraystate.edu.
The Dunker’s Challenge Student Education Emergency Fund was established to assist Murray State University students who encounter emergency or catastrophic events that could prevent them from continuing their education.
The Career Closet in Career Services features various sizes of slightly-used business professional clothing, Racers have the opportunity to come in and "shop" for suits, shirts, skirts, blouses, shoes and other accessories. Find something you like? You get to keep it - for no charge! One outfit per student per semester, please.
Please make an appointment on Handshake in order to take advantage of the Career Closet.
On-Campus Mental Health Resources
There are several opportunities for students to receive on-campus mental health support.
C104 Oakley Applied Science Building | 270.809.6851 | msu.counselingcenter@murraystate.edu
Provides a variety of free and confidential counseling services for Murray State students, including ongoing scheduled counseling sessions and walk-in counseling sessions.
401 Wells Hall | 270.809.2504
Provides individual therapy for children and adults, couples and family therapy and evaluations for learning disabilities and ADHD. Services are available for students, faculty, staff and community members.
Murray State's partnership with TimelyCare provides access to virtual mental health services, including ongoing scheduled counseling sessions, 24/7 TalkNow sessions, and psychiatry services.
Off-Campus Basic Needs Support
The Murray-Calloway County community offers a variety of services that may further support the needs of Murray State students.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income people buy food for healthy meals at participating stores. SNAP benefits increase household food buying power when added to the household's income. SNAP Outside of Kentucky
Use the interactive kiosk at myky.info to find the resources you need.
Murray-Calloway Transit Authority provides safe public transportation for people of Murray and Calloway County for educational, medical, recreational and health care needs.
The Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) is designed to assist low-income families who are attending Murray State University while receiving state assistance through DCBS. This program will assist with student employment, retention, child care information, tutorial information, counseling, mentoring, work preparation sessions, and other services the campus offers.
The mission of West Kentucky Allied Services, Inc. is to reduce and eliminate poverty by promotion of innovative and creative strategies to fight poverty; self-sufficiency of individuals, families and communities; and reduction of dependency where feasible.
Need help connecting with resources? Contact one of these Student Affairs Collaborative Care team members!
Abigail K. Cox
Director
Oakley Resource Center and Student Lounge
C102 Oakley Applied Science
Jordan Garner
Director
Center for Student Engagement and Success
425 Wells Hall
Ask for Information through Starfish Student Success Network
"Raise your hand" through your Starfish account (accessed through myGate or Canvas) and caring staff will connect with you.