As the societal understanding and acceptance of mental health continue to evolve, so do the factors students consider when choosing a college. According to a recent survey, mental health services offered by institutions are increasingly influencing prospective students’ decisions. This shift emphasizes the urgent need for universities to prioritize well-being offerings to meet these evolving demands and needs.
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Key Takeaways:
- Prospective students are increasingly considering colleges’ mental health offerings when deciding where to attend.
- 29% of all students and 36% of students who had previously accessed mental health care prioritized mental health support over dining, fitness, and physical health offerings.
- Universities and colleges are actively discussing their mental health services during campus tours.
- Prioritizing mental health in colleges is critical for supporting students as they navigate the pressures of college life.
The Surging Significance of Mental Health Offerings
Recent findings from a Student Voice survey reveal that mental health support is a primary concern for prospective students when deciding where to attend. The survey, conducted by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse, engaged 3,000 current students in two- and four-year colleges. They were asked about their experiences with stress, mental health, and physical wellness, along with the institutions’ wellness services.
A significant 29% of students identified mental health support as the top wellness factor when choosing their institution. This choice surpassed dining, fitness, and physical health services, showing the growing importance of mental health offerings. For students who had previously accessed mental health care or took prescribed medication for mental or emotional health care needs, this figure rose to 36%.
The table below summarises these findings:
| Demographic | Surveyed | Mental Health as Top Wellness Priority |
|---|---|---|
| All students | 3,000 | 29% |
| Students who had prior mental health care | 980 | 36% |
| Students without prior mental health care | N/A | 25% |
| Women | 1,996 | 33% |
| Men | 747 | 23% |
| LGBTQIA+ students | 829 | 35% |
| Straight students | N/A | 26% |
| Two-year college students | 599 | 36% |
| Four-year college students | N/A | 27% |
| Public institution students | N/A | ~Equal to private, non-profit institution students |
| Private, non-profit institution students | N/A | ~Equal to public institution students |
| Online students | N/A | ~Equal to in-person and mixed-class students |
| In-person students | N/A | ~Equal to online and mixed-class students |
| Mixed-class students | N/A | ~Equal to online and in-person students |
| Students with financial aid | N/A | ~Equal to students without financial aid |
| Students without financial aid | N/A | ~Equal to students with financial aid |
| Students from public high schools | N/A | ~Equal to students from private high schools |
| Students from private high schools | N/A | ~Equal to students from public high schools |
This table showcases the importance of mental health offerings across various student demographics. It also highlights that mental health is a significant factor irrespective of prior experience with mental health care, gender, sexual orientation, type of college, mode of class attendance, financial aid status, or high school type. As such, it underlines the universal appeal and importance of comprehensive mental health services in higher education institutions.
Campus Promotion of Mental Health Services
On various college tours, Marcus Hotaling, the president of the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors, has noticed an interesting shift in the way universities engage prospective students and their families. In contrast to previous years, tour guides are now actively highlighting the availability of counseling services and mental health sessions. This explicit information dissemination indicates a significant departure from the traditional approach, where the focus was often on academic prowess, sporting facilities, or the institution’s reputation.
The shift implies that colleges are beginning to understand the importance of mental health support in attracting students. These institutions are not just presenting themselves as mere venues for academic achievements but as comprehensive ecosystems that support students’ mental wellbeing. It is becoming evident that colleges see the value in advertising their commitment to mental health, particularly in an era where awareness and acceptance of mental health issues are on the rise.
Moreover, the active outreach is indicative of a growing recognition within higher education that mental health is a fundamental aspect of student success. Tour guides, acting as the face of these institutions, are ensuring that prospective students and their parents are aware of the support systems in place, thereby promoting the idea that student wellbeing, particularly mental health, is a priority at their college or university.
A Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Support
David Walden, director of the counseling center at Hamilton College, underscores that students’ interest in mental health goes far beyond mere access to counseling services. He points out that students today are seeking a holistic approach to mental health support. They are not just interested in addressing existing issues, but also in learning about preventative measures and mental health upkeep. This viewpoint emphasizes “the art of living,” a concept that includes fostering strong connections with oneself and others, managing stress, and maintaining overall wellbeing.
This comprehensive approach calls for a broader institutional effort beyond counseling services. It necessitates the involvement of all college staff, from academic advisors and professors who can provide guidance on managing academic stress, to resident advisors in dorms who can be trained to spot the signs of mental health issues among students.
Moreover, it extends to the creation of a supportive campus culture where conversations around mental health are normalized, resources are readily accessible, and students feel comfortable seeking help. This approach acknowledges that mental health care is not a one-size-fits-all concept but a complex, multi-faceted issue that needs to be integrated into the broader college experience. It indicates that higher education institutions are beginning to appreciate the necessity of a comprehensive mental health strategy that extends well beyond the confines of a counseling center, permeating all aspects of student life.
The Verdict
Mental health offerings are rising to prominence as a significant factor in prospective students’ decisions about college attendance. Universities and colleges must respond to this shift by prioritizing mental health services and fostering a comprehensive approach to student wellbeing.
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