Anyone working at a university understands the institutional goal of providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed both academically and personally. However, if students feel unsupported, their mental health may suffer, leading to dropping out or transferring to another institution. We undertook a study, State of the Nation Report on Student Mental Health in Higher Education, which suggests that sector-wide reporting issues may hinder efforts to effectively address mental health issues among students, ultimately contributing to student attrition.
The study found that many institutions struggle to accurately report mental health data, such as the number of students seeking mental health support or the types of services being offered. This can make it difficult for institutions to identify trends and develop effective student support strategies. Recognising these reporting issues and taking steps to address them is essential.
One of the first things you can do is review your institution's current reporting processes and identify gaps or inconsistencies. Are all mental health-related incidents being accurately recorded and reported? Are there any discrepancies in the data that need to be addressed? By conducting a thorough review, you can identify areas where improvements can be made and take steps to ensure accurate data is collected and reported.
In addition to addressing reporting issues, you can take several other steps to support students with mental health concerns better. For example, you can work to create a culture of openness and support on campus, where students feel comfortable seeking help and are aware of the resources available to them. This can include hosting events or workshops on mental health, promoting mental health resources through social media or campus-wide campaigns, and providing training for faculty and staff on identifying and responding to mental health concerns among students.
Working closely with other departments within your institution, such as the Counselling Centre or Student Health Services, is also essential. By collaborating with these departments, you can better understand the mental health services offered and identify gaps or areas where improvements can be made. You can also work together to ensure accurate data is collected and reported, which can help inform future decisions about resource allocation and program development.
Ultimately, it is critical to recognise the role that reporting issues can play in hindering efforts to support students' mental health and reduce student attrition. By improving reporting processes, creating a culture of openness and support on campus, and collaborating with other departments, you can help ensure that students receive the resources and support they need to succeed academically and personally, ultimately improving their overall well-being and satisfaction at your institution.
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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