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As part of it This week’s latest quarterly meeting, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors discussed the most hotly debated issue in higher education nationally: student mental health and well-being. Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Francis Keane It provides an overview Mental health support structures at Virginia Tech, and introduced two new initiatives for students to develop safety habits and get help when they need it.
Context
Nationally, the need for mental health counseling on university campuses continues to grow, with Virginia Tech’s demand increasing each year.
While Virginia Tech scores highly in student retention, graduation rate, graduate work, and diversity and inclusion, the university’s student well-being data is on par with national numbers.
As of 2019, Virginia Tech Mental Health Task Force Recommendation ReportStudents from vulnerable populations, including Black, Hispanic, Asian, LGBTQ+, and financially insecure students, are at increased risk of mental health problems.
Residential security initiatives
The Residential Safety Initiative, launched this fall, brings resources and programs into students’ living and academic environments. With direct access, embedded advisors; Emphasis on student-led positions that prioritize student well-being, engagement, and success; And with ongoing mentoring and support from faculty and staff coaches, the initiative supports holistic wellness and mental health by bringing Virginia Tech students valuable resources into their residence halls.
“A culture of safety must not only encourage changes in individual habits and behaviors, but also include systemic and organizational changes in students’ living, learning and social environments,” Keane said. “Housing safety is now everyone’s job in student affairs.”
The Residence Safety Initiative comes at a time when there are major opportunities that affect student safety: the moment they enter the university community – from orientation to admission.
Virginia Tech boasts the largest full-time residential student population in Virginia. The residential environment is rich in opportunities to influence students’ mental health and well-being. Almost all undergraduate students at Virginia Tech begin their experience in a residence hall, and the habits, patterns, and relationships formed during the first year can greatly influence a student’s journey to success.
In a Residential Well-being approach, equity and inclusion are inherently linked to well-being, and focusing on the well-being of students from vulnerable populations improves the well-being of the entire community. The Residential Safety Initiative creates small communities of students within the residential area to foster engagement and membership. Student and staff roles have changed from compliance or enforcement to community building, nurturing and communication.
Virtual assistance through TimelyCare
Current careVirtual Health Services, the latest addition to Virginia Tech’s mental health and wellness resources, is also new this fall. Offered at no cost to students, TimelyCare does not replace, but rather supplements, the many mental health support structures at Virginia Tech.
With TimelyCare, students can connect with a counselor for immediate care, scheduled counseling or health coaching. You can access TimelyCare by phone, computer or tablet, and you can choose between phone or video sessions. Students can use the TimelyCare app or TimelyCare website And they are encouraged to do so before they need the services.
TimelyCare supports more than 250 languages ​​and offers translation services. The service is also ADA accessible through the app. Another benefit is that students can access TimelyCare regardless of their location in the United States, whether students are home on vacation or away from campus for an internship. TalkNow is available globally with a US-based phone number or VPN.
The conversation
After the event, Keane joined Natalie E. CookAssistant Professor of Public Health, Department of Population Health Sciences and Faculty Dean, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Respects housing.. Saad Khan also joined the discussion with the board. Khan will pursue a bachelor’s degree in clinical neuroscience and a minor in psychology in December 2021 and advocate for mental health resources. Virginia Tech Chapter of Active Minds. It’s working together now. Hockey Health As a mental health initiative coordinator.
The panel led a discussion on the most critical issues to address regarding mental health and wellness in the Virginia Tech community. They also talked about loneliness, with 52 percent of Virginia Tech students reporting feeling lonely on the UCLA Loneliness Scale.
Cook emphasizes a holistic approach to helping students thrive. “I see my role as providing the leadership and reforms necessary to create a thriving, educated community where all members feel a sense of belonging, agency and connection, regardless of their major, background, identity or hometown,” she says.
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