Being a new student at a large school can be an overwhelming situation for students first arriving at Murray State. Making friends, finding a job and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are sometimes difficult when there are so many things happening at once.

Murray State offers a variety of centers on campus to help make the transition into life as a Racer as smooth as possible for its students.

One resource female students can use to their advantage is the Women’s Center. The center is located in the Oakley Applied Science Building on campus and offers a variety of resources to help students by educating, equipping and empowering them.

“We educate the campus community on issues of violence, inequality, exclusion and bias and how every individual has a personal role in changing a culture that creates these problems,” said Abigail French, director of the Women’s Center. “To equip the campus community with the skills and resources necessary for personal and social health, advocacy and change. To empower the campus community speak up, step out and make a difference in all instances of inequality and violence.”

The Women’s Center’s mission is to offer mentoring programs on topics such as gender equality, bystander intervention, sexual assault, dating violence and eating disorders. Another on-campus resource for students is the Racer Writing Center located in the second floor of Waterfield Library.

The Writing Center employs consultants who help students one-on-one at any stage of the writing process including generating ideas, researching, documentation, revising and editing a draft.

The Grammar Hotline is a phone number or email students can use to reach the Writing Center for quick questions that need quick responses without having to come in for a full length session.

Another on campus resource is Student Disabilities Services (SDS), located in Wells Hall, is dedicated to promoting the full participation of students with disabilities in all areas of University life.

“SDS provides accommodations and academic support for students who have a diagnosed disability,” said Cindy Clemson, associate director of SDS. “We work with students who have dyslexia and other disabilities such as ADHD, mental health disorders, autism spectrum disorders, sensory, mobility or other physical and health impairments.”

Another helpful resource provided to students is Career Services. Career Services is located in Oakley and offers a variety of options to help students find jobs and internships on campus. They also host the career fairs each semester.

“The research is out there saying that you will have a job doing what you want to do and get the money you want to do it for by working two or more internships,” said Ross Meloan, Director of Career Services. “We try to pound that very notion into students before they walk in the door.”

Career Services offers everything from helping students create a resume and cover letter to holding mock job interviews to prepare them for ones they may encounter in the real world. It is also responsible for holding the career fair.

Finally, the University Store hosts programs and events throughout the year to make book-buying and selling less complicated. It also provides free gift wrapping during the winter and occasionally, gives away free t-shirts. At the beginning of the year, the store also provides coupon books full of local deals.

While adjusting to a new schedule and sometimes scary life change can be difficult, the resources provided by the University may help make the transition go more smoothly.

Story by Breanna Sill, Assistant Features Editor