As a university registrar, your primary responsibility is to ensure that your institution operates effectively and efficiently. However, there is a growing (and critical) need to address the mental health of your students because this is contributing to an alarming rate of student attrition. One of the main issues preventing us from addressing this problem is a lack of transparent reporting on mental health data, which is why we must prioritise breaking the stigma that still exists around disclosing mental health issues - despite a decade of progress thanks to campaigns from organisations like Student Minds, MIND, UCAS etc. Also, there are significant data gaps and inaccuracies caused by reporting challenges - partly as a result of the sensitive nature of the data in question, but also due in no small part to inadequacies in data capture, analysis, and monitoring processes and capabilities.
It is essential to recognise that mental health is a critical aspect of overall student wellbeing and academic success. It is essential to create an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and know that they will not be stigmatised or penalised for doing so. Unfortunately, mental health issues are still stigmatised in our society, and many students may not seek the help they need for fear of being judged or discriminated against.
To address this problem, we must prioritise transparent reporting on mental health data. This involves collecting accurate data on the number of students seeking mental health support and the types of services being offered. We must also make sure that this information is easily accessible to students, faculty, and staff. By doing so, we can create a more open and supportive culture that promotes mental health and well-being.
As the registrar, you are committed to working with other departments within your institution, such as the Counselling Centre and Student Health Services, to ensure that you are collecting and reporting accurate data on mental health. This data will help identify trends and develop effective strategies for supporting students with mental health concerns. Working together to ensure that students are aware of the mental health services available to them and feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
Only a small percentage of UK universities are able to accurately report on the number of students accessing their mental health support services. Even fewer are able to report the numbers accessing counselling or further counselling.
For more information on our Student Support and Wellbeing solution and to see it in action, please head over to our website - Student Support and Wellbeing | Tribal (tribalgroup.com)
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