Here at MICA we want all students to know that they are a vital part of the community with much to contribute as artists and individuals. Our hope is that all students have positive experiences that will support them in the creation of their work. However, we understand that sometimes things happen that may make adjusting to college a stressful transition impacting academics, health, and wellness.

Center for Identity and Inclusion (CII)

They are based on a philosophy of inclusion and fostering recognition and respect for the voices of all students:

• issues regarding culture, class, race, gender, sexuality, identity, religion and more
• safe spaces for me to bring my issues, address my concerns, and obtain direction, information, referrals and mentoring
• history months, exhibitions, performances, and workshops that explore personal and cultural identity
• joining an identity based student organization

The Assistant Director of Transitions

Working as part of the Center for Student Engagement, the Assistant Director of Transitions is responsible, not only for planning Orientation days, but also assisting students once they arrive on campus. At MICA it is important to us that students feel part of the community. 

• Works with students new to the MICA community 
• Helps students make connections across MICA's campus.
• Provides resources to help students make the most of their MICA experience

Food Insecurity and Emergency Financial Need

Angel Fund

The Division of Student Affairs hosts resources to assist and support enrolled, full-time graduate or undergraduate students who experience a short term financial hardship. The purpose of the "angel" fund is not to resolve a fundamental inability to afford a MICA education; instead the intent is to bridge unexpected issues that temporarily derail a student's success.

The amount of financial support available is limited to no more than $500 for any one request. Students may only receive one grant per semester, and a maximum of twice during their MICA career. Those interested must complete the application form which will be reviewed in a rolling, private manner upon receipt.

Each request will be considered by a small, confidential group within the Division of Student Affairs. Depending upon the nature of the request, it is possible that a meeting with a member of the Student Affairs staff will be required before a decision is made on the application.

Examples of items eligible for assistance due to short term financial hardship include but are not limited to:

• Art Supplies
• Food
• Emergency Travel
• Prescription Drug Co-Pays

Due to the likely high amount needed and the long term implication of the financial problem, rent/housing (on or off-campus) is not eligible to be supported by these resources. However, if you are struggling and concerned about housing security, please contact the Office of Residence Life, who will help you to explore possible alternatives and options. 

Any questions about this program may be directed to the Associate Dean for Student Health & Wellness in the Office of Student Affairs (Bunting 260) by emailing studentaffairs@mica.edu. Funds will typically be distributed in the form of a check or direct payment/purchase of the items in question. Please allow a minimum of five business days for review of each request.

Campus Safety

The safety of all students, faculty and staff is a commitment MICA Campus Safety makes to the community by providing officers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Campus Safety officers patrol campus, and are stationed at the entrances of most MICA buildings. In addition to building and campus patrols, they:

• Send out MICA Alerts via text message
• Respond to incidents on and around campus
• Provide resources to report crime and suspicious behavior. 
• Offer access to Rave Guardian - a cellphone based panic button app.

Health and Wellness

Student Development Specialist

If you have questions about general life at MICA, accessing resources, or student life (not covered in this page), please contact the Student Development Specialist, who works with students experiencing a variety of personal needs, and can provide referrals to on-campus and off-campus services.

The Student Development Specialist can:

• Communicate and coordinate with faculty when a student is struggling
• Assist students with medical withdraws or leave of absence
• Provide both on and off campus referrals
• Serve as a starting place when students aren’t sure what resources they need

Counseling

Students who are struggling to adjust to college, experiencing outside stressors, or dealing with mental health concerns have a professional, knowledgeable and compassionate resource on the MICA campus in the Student Counseling Center (SCC). The SCC staff will provide an assessment of the problem and offer a thoughtful strategy to resolve the problem and achieve personal goals for growth and development. The SCC can provide assistance with:

• Support for an upsetting event, challenges throughout college, difficulty adjusting MICA, emotional crises and mental health concerns
• Developing a positive adjustment to college life
• Offering workshops and seminars
• Providing referrals for continued off-campus care and support

Student Health Services

From your head to your toes and everything in between, MICA Student Health Services are here to care for you. MICA Student Health Services is open to all students, whether you live on-campus or off. They can be your first stop for:

• Immunizations/vaccinations, physicals, prescriptions, sick visits, and urgent care (sprains, strains, burns, etc.)
• Reproductive and Sexual Health services such as routine gynecological exams, STD testing and treatment, contraception education and counseling
• Walk-in free HIV Testing
• If you are not feeling well

Health Insurance

All MICA students are automatically enrolled in the MICA Health Insurance plan, which is billed as part of your tuition statement. If you are covered under other insurance from a parent or guardian, you can choose to waive the MICA health insurance. 

Please note that if you choose to waive your health insurance, you must complete the process each academic year. It does not automatically waive your insurance for your entire time at MICA.

Login information to view your health insurance options or to waive the MICA insurance can be found in the letter sent to your permanent address during the summer, or on the MICA Health Insurance webpage. 

Fitness

Visit MICA Fitness. MICA Fitness is dedicated to providing innovative, fun, and challenging programs to encourage an active healthy lifestyle for artists.

• Working out on campus
• Fitness classes like, Yoga, Zumba, and Aikido at convenient times around my courses and work schedule
• Fitness-related organizations related to active activities such as break dance, ultimate frisbee, soccer, volleyball, and the outdoors club