Let’s Help Our Students

A Faculty and Staff Guide for Supporting Student Well-Being and Mental Health at Mason

Introduction

At Mason, we’re focused on our students’ success and cultivating a culture of well-being. The challenges of the last few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have been extremely trying for our students. Whether these difficulties involved health concerns, personal losses, isolation, race-based violence, or uncertainty about their future, it is more important than ever that we support our students in need.

The purpose of this document is to help faculty and staff recognize students’ concerns and guide them in managing challenges. Please use this guide to support our students’ well-being and mental health.

 

Contents

Let's Understand

Current State of College Students’ Mental Health

Findings from a 2021 Duke University study1focusing on student, faculty, and staff well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic reported these statistics for respondents at-risk for depression:

~40% of respondents reported symptoms classifying them as ‘at-risk for moderate depression’
~25% of respondents reported symptoms classifying them as ‘at-risk for severe depression’

In another recent mental health survey of over 2,000 college students2, 75% of students reported that their mental health had been negatively impacted by the pandemic, indicating widespread feelings of:

  • Disappointment
  • Isolation
  • Sadness
  • Loneliness
  • Stress
  • Anxiety

The aforementioned feelings, coupled with the loss of connection and the on-campus community, can make it difficult for students to get and stay focused and/or motivated.

Students are not alone. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, nearly 40% of faculty members, staff, and student employees surveyed screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)3.

 

The Short Version?

Many students are struggling with numerous mental health challenges and we don’t yet know the long-term effects of the pandemic. Therefore, we need to be more attuned to students’ well-being needs and show that we care.

At Mason, we’re facing similar – if not the exact same – challenges as any other college campus. But at the same time, our student community is unique in its makeup, stresses, and struggles.

  • 38,542: Number of Mason students who missed out on a “normal” 2020 school year
  • +5,000: The expected increase in Mason student enrollment from 2021 to 2024
  • 55%: Mason undergraduate students from historically under-represented populations4
  • 32%: Mason graduate students from historically under-represented populations
  • 26%: First-generation students
  • 60%: Mason students carrying student loan debt5
  • $32,000: Average amount borrowed by Mason students

 

Let's Be Aware

Recognizing the signs

We all want to help. 70% of students aren’t comfortable telling their instructor if their mental health stops them from completing their work6.

We’re working together to develop a culture of warmth, patience, and well-being, where students will feel comfortable opening up. In many cases, struggling students won’t approach you first, so check in with them frequently and look for any signs that a student may be in distress.

ACADEMIC SIGNALS

  • Ongoing absences, calling in sick, or repeated tardiness
  • Decline in classroom engagement or quality of work
  • Assignments or other classwork that include disturbing content and/or themes of despair, hopelessness, suicide, violence, death, or aggression
  • Missing work, multiple requests for extensions, or grades of “Incomplete”

PHYSICAL SIGNALS

  • Appearing ill or fatigued
  • Drastic change in appearance, from clothing and makeup to weight gain/loss
  • Marked change in mental state and/or apparent intoxication
  • Unusual/out-of-context behavior

INTER / INTRAPERSONAL SIGNALS

  • Short-tempered or on-edge
  • Speaking out about feeling distressed, overwhelmed, worthless, anxious, etc.
  • Open expressions or subtle signs of hopelessness
  • Acting out of character
  • Peers expressing concern about a student
  • Implied or direct threats of harm to self or others
  • Self-injurious, destructive, or reckless behavior

 

Don't Forget About Yourself

With all the focus on students, it’s easy to lose sight of self-care and your own trauma and distress. Many of the recommendations we make for students apply to you as well. Talk to your peers or supervisor about any feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, or distress you may have.

For staff and faculty well-being resources, reach out to Mason employee relations at hr.gmu.edu/support-resources/.

 

Let's Start the Conversation

What Can I Do To Support Our Students?

It has been a difficult year for most of us and acknowledging a shared experience is a comfortable starting point for open, honest communication and for creating a psychologically safe space. So, talk to students, set a tone of openness and acceptance, and be real. Address uncertainty and stress. Let students know that you are open and available to talk about well-being.

SHARE your EXPERIENCES.

Part of students feeling alone and “less than” is the sense that “everyone else has it all together” so be vulnerable and let students know that you struggle too.

OFFER TIME and SPACE.

Be supportive and approachable, understanding that some students will be more comfortable connecting one-on-one. Whether it’s office hours, Zoom meetings, or even a text chain, set aside time to talk to students privately if you can.

PROVIDE SAFETY.

Students may have a history of trauma or struggle that’s been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. Keeping that in mind will help you create a safe, supportive space for your students.

LET the STUDENT STEER the CONVERSATION.

Meet your students where they are and follow their lead as they open up.

BE POSITIVE.

Students look to you for comfort, guidance, and leadership. Sharing positivity, hope, and even humor can help to ease a stressful burden.

 

Taking Care of Underserved and Marginalized Student Populations

Well-being and mental health are important to everyone. There are underserved and marginalized student populations that have historically been left without access to resources that fully understand their experiences. This can feel lonely and alienating. Work towards building a sense of connection and belonging where each story is welcome and valued. This can be done by being open to listening to their stories, validating their experiences, and showing empathy. Do what you can to guide the student to resources that align with their identities.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Mason provides culturally inclusive care. If students would like to seek resources outside of Mason, here are some options to share.

BIPOC Student Resources

  • B.EA.M. (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) – Black virtual wellness directory to find Black therapists, doulas, yoga teachers, and mediators throughout all 50 states. beam.community
  • AYANA Therapy – Online mental health therapy for marginalized and intersectional communities. ayanatherapy.com
  • Inclusive Therapists – These therapists center their services around the needs of marginalized populations, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent folx, and people with disabilities. inclusivetherapists.com

 

Let's Take the Next Step

HELP STUDENTS FIND SUPPORT.

Consider yourself a front-line worker when it comes to student well-being. Get familiar with, and take advantage of, the many mental health and well-being resources Mason has to offer.

CONNECT STUDENTS with ONE ANOTHER.

Peer support is critical, so be sure to take advantage of opportunities to facilitate connections between students outside of any specific crisis or issue. Encourage interactions outside of the classroom where you can.

SHARE TOOLS and RESEARCH.

Part of not feeling alone is knowing that other people are experiencing – and managing – the same challenges. Share the research and tools from this resource at your discretion.

 

Let's Empathize

What to do next.

When having a conversation with a student you suspect to be in distress, take your time so you can connect them to the right resources for their needs. Jack.org’s “Be There” initiative offers a simple five-step process (with examples) to help guide the conversation:

View the text version at: https://ulife.gmu.edu/faculty-and-staff/lets-help-our-students/lets-help-our-students-conversation-guide/

 

Let's Use Every Available Tool

LEAD STUDENTS to the RIGHT RESOURCES.

We’re fortunate that Mason has a wide variety of resources to help us support our students. Depending on the type of support you’re trying to offer, know that you’re empowered and equipped with what you need to help our students.

You’re not expected to have all the answers. Once you’ve determined that the student may require help beyond your capabilities, here are the next steps you can take.

PINPOINT their NEED.

Does the student need resources for social connection, specialized professional help, or is this an emergency?

CONTINUE the JOURNEY.

Let the student know that you’re not “passing them off” as a problem or burden. Reiterate that you’re here to help them and you’re not going anywhere.

LEAD the WAY.

A student in distress may not be comfortable connecting with a resource on their own. Guiding them through the process of accessing a resource increases the likelihood that they will follow through while also making them feel more confident about getting help.

CHECK IN.

Follow up to ensure that the student has successfully connected with the resource(s) you recommended. This reaffirms the connection you’ve made as part of their support system and lets the student know that they aren’t being “passed off.” This may also be an opportunity to re-direct the student to a different resource if the original resource wasn’t a good fit.

 

Privacy and Information Sharing
Professionals affiliated with confidential resources will gladly receive information from you about a student’s well-being. However, due to privacy laws such as FERPA and HIPAA or professional ethics, some resources are often unable to provide reciprocal information to you regarding the student. This can be frustrating, but these privacy laws are an essential ethical and legal safeguard for student privacy and confidentiality.

When talking with students, please remember that University employees (except confidential resources in most instances) are required to make reports of certain types of behavior, such as sexual misconduct, crime, acts of discrimination, and concerning behaviors that are potential precursors to future violence. For more information, see stopviolence.gmu.edu/concern/.

 

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

Consider this guide as your starting point. There are countless ways to support our students, and we are all responsible for contributing our best efforts and ideas to create a culture of well-being and mental health. Just remember:

  • Your influence is important.
  • Be open, approachable, and empathetic.
  • Make well-being part of the learning environment.
  • All feelings are valid.
  • Connection and community make a difference.
  • Share your experiences AND resources.
  • We’re all creating a culture of well-being and mental health together.

Emotional Support Help

For emotional support, students (as well as faculty and staff) can always call the Emotional Support Line through Mason’s Center for Community Mental Health at 703-215-1898.

Let's Come Together

"Now more than ever in Mason’s history and in all of higher education, it’s important for us to be attuned to students’ mental health and well-being. With this effort, faculty and staff have an opportunity to be champions of student well-being simply by knowing about these resources and guiding students to them."

- Rose Pascarell, Vice President for University Life

 

Student Support and Resources

CRISIS SUPPORT (USA)

National Crisis Support

CrisisLink

Crisis Text Line

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7)

Trans Lifeline (for the trans community)

The Trevor Project’s TrevorLifeline (for LGBTQ+ students)

The Steve Fund (for students of color)

Veterans Crisis Line (for Veterans)

CRISIS SUPPORT (KOREA)

National Crisis Support

Medical Emergency (24/7)

Lifeline Korea (24/7)

Mental Health Center Crisis Counseling (24/7)

Multicultural Family Helpline (24/7)

Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center (10:00 – 17:00)

HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH, AND WELL-BEING SUPPORT
ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND STUDENT SUCCESS RESOURCES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
POPULATION-SPECIFIC RESOURCES

1 Depression Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic among Well-educated, Employed Adults with Low Infection Risks; Duncan Thomas, Tyson Brown, Donald H.Taylor Jr., Ralph Lawton, Victoria K. Lee, Menna Mburi, Michelle Wong, Rachel Kranton (January 2021).2 Active Minds Student Mental Health Survey (September 2020).

3 The Chronicle of Higher Education, How one university is creating space for people to process the pandemic’s damage; Sarah Brown (July 2021).

4 Historically under-represented populations include American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Asian American, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino,Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and two or more races. Source: Fall 2020 Census Enrollment Data, OIEP.

5 Data includes students in the 2020 undergraduate class who started at Mason as first-time students and received a Bachelor’s Degree between July 1, 2019 and June 30,2020. Transfer Students were not included.

6 “College Student Mental Health and Well-Being: A Survey of Presidents”, Higher Education Today, 2019; “COVID-19 and Mental Health”, Chegg, 2020; “CollegeStudents Mental Health Continues To Suffer From“, Timely MD, 2020; “Faculty Pandemic Stress Is Now Chronic”, Inside Higher Ed, 2020; “Mental Health on The Syllabus”, Inside Higher Ed, 2021 Student Affairs Forum interviews and analyses.