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Student Care and Support

Student Care & Support exists to help students overcome personal challenges that can impact their academic success and well-being. Our team of caring, non-clinical case managers works one-on-one with students to provide guidance, advocacy, and connections to both campus and community resources. Whether you're experiencing housing or food insecurity, navigating a family emergency, or facing other life disruptions, we are here to support you every step of the way and help you stay on the path to graduation. Our work is rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and collaboration— because we believe that no student should have to face difficulties alone.

Student Care & Support is also home to a group of student-centered offices committed to advocacy and support

Disability Services

Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities and campus life.

Care Center

Offers emergency resources and basic needs support to help students through unforeseen financial or personal circumstances.

Community Belonging & Veterans Center

Creates welcoming spaces and programs that celebrate identity, honor military service, and foster connection and belonging for all students.

Together, these offices form a hub of holistic student support—where care is proactive, community is prioritized, and every student matters.

Please note: Student Care & Support is not a provider of mental health services. For clinical support, including counseling and therapy, students are encouraged to contact the Health & Wellness Center, which offers comprehensive mental health services for Clayton State students.

Mission

We champion a welcoming and equitable community for all students including traditional and non-traditional students, veterans, foster-experienced individuals. Through accessible services, essential resources, holistic support, and intentional engagement, we foster inclusive excellence and expand pathways for upward social mobility, academic success, and personal growth.

Staff

sarah ray

Sarah Ray, M.S.
Assistant Dean of Students
Email Sarah

damika howard-wayne

Dr. Damika Howard-Wayne
Director, Disability Services
Email Damika

ariel alston

Ariel Alston, MSW
Assistant Director, Disability Services and Student Care & Support
Email Ariel

tenesea grant

Tenesea Grant
Program Coordinator
Email Tenesea

shenetra white

Shenetra White
Coordinator, Community, Belonging & Veterans Center
Email Shenetra

precious jones

Precious Jones
Graduate Assistant

Contact Information

Office Location

Edgewater Hall Suite 255

Office Email

Care and Support Email Address

Office Phone

(678) 466-5445

 

Support Services

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Community, Belonging and Veterans Center

The CBVC is a place for Veterans and Active Duty members alike to meet, get information, and just hang out and be themselves with like-minded individuals.

Community & Veterans Info

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Lakers Care and Share

Lakers Care & Share is a cross-campus advisory council developed to help students who are struggling with food and housing insecurity and having other essential needs.

Explore Lakers Care & Share

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Family Resources

Family Resources is a landing page to assist and support parenting students as they navigate through their academic journey.

View Available Resources

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Care Center

The Care Center, an extension of Student Care & Support, is a welcoming, student-centered resource hub dedicated to supporting your everyday needs, so you can focus on thriving—not just surviving—through college.

Discover the Care Center

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Elaine Student Emergency Fund

The purpose of the student emergency fund is to provide short-term assistance and support to enrolled students experiencing financial challenges due to personal hardships.

Support Students in Need

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Disability Services

Located within Care & Support, Disability Services is here to help ensure students with documented disabilities can access the necessary resources through a welcoming and inclusive environment to make their dreams real.

Explore Disability Services

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GiveNow

Want to Donate to the Student Emergency Fund? Giving options are available year round.

Give to Support Students

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Dean of Students

The Dean of Students Office supports student success by promoting well-being, accountability, and a sense of belonging. We connect students to resources, respond to concerns, and foster a community of care on campus.

Connect with the Dean of Students