| Division of Student Services Newsletter
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Message from the Vice Provost & Dean Dear Colleagues:
In this season of reflection and thanksgiving I have been thinking about what it means to be fortunate and appreciative for what life offers. Although I am sure at times the semester has seemed long, it’s hard to believe we’ve traveled from move-in day to the eve of a new calendar year so quickly! During the fall semester my regard for our students, this university, our mission, and each of you has only grown. Whether you care for and manage our spaces and events, offer confidential help to students with complex needs, assist students to maintain healthier lives, liaison with external partners on behalf of the university, advise students or student groups with programs, help students’ families in their relationship with the university, or even do the difficult things that are unpopular, but necessary for learning and leadership – I thank you.
Much of the nature of student affairs work is, of course, invisible, confidential, or sensitive; happens during nights and weekends; and isn’t likely to be given splashy awards. But, it matters to students and it matters to me. The people we serve are changed by your involvement in their lives, and we are changed by the privilege of this work. Indeed, this has been a year of significant change for me – a new job I value, in a different part of the state I love, with new colleagues who remind me of what it means to have purpose. This has been a gift to me.
My hope is that you enter the semester break with an opportunity to rest, to enjoy the beauty of our state and our lives, and to reflect on how the work you do positively impacts the people we serve. I am grateful to have an opportunity to do this work with you.
Loren
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Last Wednesday, we held the first VSAB meeting. We look forward to the important dialogue this group will have and are thrilled to introduce our board members:
Abi Ediger, Special Education, Junior
Conner Carns, Finance, Senior
Dami Olufosoye, Public Health, Graduate
Danielle Adrianse, Clinical Exercise Science, Junior
Evan Bonello, Biomedical Sciences, First-Year
Helen Bahlbi, Biochemistry, Sophomore
Ikechukwu Okochi, Educational Leadership (Special Education), Graduate
Katherine Burdick, Advertising and Public Relations, Sophomore
Kylie Beaudoin, Biomedical Science, First-Year
Lakia Wiley, Criminal Justice & Psychology, Senior
Lamar Arrington, Entrepreneurship/Business Economics, Junior
Love Sparks, Criminal Justice & Psychology, Sophomore
Marshal Brummel, Computer Science, Junior
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Student Mental Health at GVSU
By: Monica Lackups-Fuentes, Coordinator of Outcome Assessment and Evaluation, University Counseling CenterOverview
Student mental health continues to be a focus in higher education and here at GVSU. The University Counseling Center (UCC) focuses on addressing student mental health concerns through individual and group therapy. Research demonstrates that mental health counseling not only addresses the clinical needs of students, but also positively impacts retention (Haavick, 2004; Lee, Olson, Locke, Michelsok, and Odes, 2009). National Data Trends
The UCC participates with the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, which produces an annual report detailing national student mental health trends. Recent trends have indicated that demand for services grew five to six times faster than enrollment from 2009-2015 (CCMH, 2015). National data trends (CCMH, 2017) suggest that the top presenting concerns driving student engagement with counseling services are: - Anxiety
- Depression/Mood
- Stress
- Family
- Academic performance
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GVSU UCC Data
The UCC has also experienced increased demand in services with a 47% increase in appointments in four years. Top concerns for students here at GVSU are similar to that of national trends, which include:
- Anxiety
- Depression/Mood
- Interpersonal/Relationship
- Stress
- Trauma
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The UCC also partners with the National College Health Assessment to examine mental health trends for GVSU students. Their assessment shows an increase in reported distress between 2014 to 2018, again consistent with national trends. - Felt things were hopeless - 6% increase in reporting
- Felt exhausted (not from physical activity) - 4% increase in reporting
- Felt lonely - 7% increase in reporting
- Felt overwhelming anxiety - 10% increase in reporting
- Felt so depressed that it was difficult to function - 7% increase in reporting
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Current Efforts and Resources for Campus Mental Health
Within the University Counseling Center, current efforts are focused on the following: - Outreach - programming and education around mental health topics by staff and peer educators
- ACES - alcohol and other drugs education, prevention, intervention, and treatment
- Community Provider Database - a searchable database of community mental health treatment providers
- Group Psychotherapy - skills, identify, and process-focused psychotherapy groups
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Supporting Student Mental Health
Faculty and staff can act as the transitional support for students into counseling. This can include expressing your concerns about the student in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner and providing a referral to the UCC. Remember, the role of faculty and staff outside of the UCC is not to provide therapy or handle the student's concerns alone, but to be a transitional support into mental health treatment. Additional resources for faculty and staff include:
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Student Awards
Please submit all nominations no later than midnight on Friday, February 8.
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Important InformationThis section will highlight important information for the division.
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Division of Student Services
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