Insights from Student Affairs - October

Crystal Primeau McLeod, MA, LLP

Crystal Primeau McLeod, MA, LLP

  • Director, Center for Student Mental Health & Well-being
  • Limited License Psychologist

Promoting a Culture of Care on campus


It may not be surprising to hear that the mental health needs of college students have heightened in recent years; numerous articles and surveys have brought attention to the increased mental health challenges college students face (Abrams, 2022; Healthy Minds Network, 2014-15, 2021-22). Impacts of this escalating concern are evident on campuses nationwide, emphasizing the critical need for a proactive and comprehensive approach to address the issue. 

At The Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being (CSMHW), a JED campus, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of care on campus, prioritizing the emotional well-being of students as a campus-wide endeavor. This initiative aims to enhance student engagement, motivation, and a sense of belonging, ultimately leading to greater personal and academic success. 

What does a culture of care look like?


According to The Healthy Minds Network (2021-22) survey, a substantial percentage of students turn to friends when in distress. In response to this, CSMHW recently launched our Peer-to-Peer Support program, P.A.W.S., to leverage one of the largest resources on campus— our students. Each semester, a new cohort of dedicated and enthusiastic students is trained to assist their peers, leading to an increasing number of students serving as peer support for their classmates.

In addition to seeking help from friends and peers, students often approach faculty when mental health issues affect their academic performance (The JED Foundation, 2022). It is essential that faculty feel equipped to assist students facing mental health challenges. To support this, CSMHW offers Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training sessions to the campus community, encouraging departments to take advantage of these valuable resources. Supporting students struggling with mental health issues can also be visibly demonstrated through participation in The Green Bandana Project, further advancing a campus culture that prioritizes and destigmatizes mental health.

Establishing this culture of care is most effectively achieved through a collaborative campus-wide effort, encouraging all of us —students, staff, and faculty— to consider our role in improving student well-being every day. Each of us has the capacity to positively impact the mental health of our campus community, and together, we can cultivate an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. 

-Crystal McLeod 

References:

Abrams, Z. (October 01, 2022). Student mental health is in crisis. Campuses are rethinking their approach. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/10/mental-health-campus-care

Healthy Minds Network (2014-15, 2021-22). Healthy Minds Study among Colleges and Universities, 2014-15, 2021-22 [Data set]. Healthy Minds Network, University of Michigan, University of California Los Angeles, Boston University, and Wayne State University. https://healthymindsnetwork.org/research/data-for-researchers

The JED Foundation (2022). Faculty Guide to Supporting Student Mental Health.The JED Foundation- Faculty Guide to Supporting Student Mental Health