State funding to expand UC’s student mental health support and services

The funds will be used to support UC’s community of care, where all members of the campus community are engaged in supporting student well-being and holistic development. The university’s C.A.R.E. team (Crisis, Assessment, Response, Evaluation) will increase staffing to better identify and broaden advocacy and support services for students experiencing mental health challenges. Enhancements to UC’s system of collaboration and communication will strengthen intervention for students. The funding also allows for a four-year contract with the Jed Foundation, a nonprofit organization that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults in the United States, to implement “data-driven guidance” through the Active Minds Study to protect student mental health. UC will partner with the Jed Foundation to assess our campus' needs and develop a customized strategic plan. Faculty and staff, who already have access to the Mental Health Champions program, will engage in psychological first aid training, which prepares employees for response to mental health recovery and coping.

Eight of UC’s academic colleges will receive wellness space improvements. Wellness spaces help to promote students' holistic growth and well-being through enhanced self-awareness and mindfulness. These spaces will allow for visibility of contemplative practice experiences, such as mindfulness and compassion for individual and collective impact. This initiative is focused on supporting students in navigating their academic success while managing their wellness within their individual experiences and a global context.  

Additionally, the ODHE funding will connect students to each other and our vibrant campus community of support to promote inclusion and connection. Expanded telehealth services will serve UC’s growing online student population residing outside of Ohio. UC will grow the Student Wellness Center’s peer educator team and peer-to-peer support within the student-led Bearcats Support Network.