shac-mental health forum report
TRANSCRIPT
University of Miami
Mental Health Forum Recommendations Based on Attendee Feedback
Authored by the University of Miami Student
Health Advisory Committee
1
Table of Contents
Abstract
I. Introduction
Overview of the Forum……………………………………………………………..……. 4
Goals of the Forum………………………………………………………………………. 5
Affiliated Organizations………………………………………………………………….. 5
II. The Mental Health Climate on Campus
Discussion of Survey Results…………………………………………………………... 6-7
III. The Expansion of Existing Resources
Counseling Center………………………………………………………………………… 8
UMPD………………………………………………………………………………….. 8-9
‘Canes Care for ‘Canes………………………………………………………………..…. 9
UM Unites……………………………………………………………………………. 9-10
Department of Clinical Psychology…………………………………………………..… 10
Active Minds……………………………………………………………………...…. 10-11
Housing and Residential Life…………………………………………………………….11
Counseling Outreach Peer Education (COPE) ………………………………………… 12
PIER 21……………………………………………………………………………… 12-13
National Suicide Prevention Hotline…………………………………………………… 13
Student Health Center…………………...……………………………………………… 13
Switchboard of Miami………………………………………………………………..… 14
Dean of Students Office………………………………………………………………… 14
IV. The Resources and Visibility of the Counseling Center
Resources……………………………………………………………………………….. 15
Pros vs. Cons……...……………………………………………………………..……… 15
Recommendations…………………………………………………………………... 15-16
V. Working to Eliminate the Social Stigma of Seeking Help
Monthly
Programming……………………………………………………………………………. 16
Faces of Mental Health……………………………………………………………….… 16
2
Online Student Feedback………………………………………….………………… 17-18
Greek Mental Health Symposium…………………………………….………………… 18
Wellness Center Promotion of Physical and Mental Wellness………….……………… 18
Awareness Campaign about Misusing Terms……………………………………...…… 18
Orientation Programming…………………………………………………....….……… 19
Informal Student Support Groups………………………………………….…………… 19
Education Program for Parents……………………………………………….………… 19
VI. The Diversity of the Student Body and its Needs
VII. Conclusion The Way We Discuss Suicide……………………………………………...……………. 21
Ending Remarks…………………………………………………………………...… 21-22
We Thank the Following Their Support:
Dr. Patricia Whitely, Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Gail Cole-Avent, Executive Director for Student Life and Assessment Initiatives
Austin Eng, Student Health Advisory Committee Co-President
Kristiana Yao, Student Health Advisory Committee Co-President
Adam Troy, Health Educator
Dr. Ernesto Escoto, Outgoing Director of the Counseling Center
Kimberly Martin, Outreach Coordinator for the Counseling Center
John Gulla, Crisis Specialist for UMPD
Dr. Berit Brogaard, Department of Philosophy and Department of Psychology
The Brogaard Lab
Dr. Jennifer Britton, Department of Psychology
Dean Steven Priepke, Asst. Dean of Students & Director of Greek Life
Christopher Hartnett, Director of Residence Life
Alessandria San Roman, Outgoing Student Government President
Brianna Hathaway, Incoming Student Government President
Ishtpreet Singh, Incoming Student Government Vice President
Nicole Garcia, President of Omicron Delta Kappa
Noelle Mendez, Omicron Delta Kappa
Patrick Quinlan, President of the Pen & Sword Society
Jose-Miguel Rosillo, President of Miami Mindfulness
TeQuan Taylor, President of United Black Students
Charlotte Gerrity, Pier 21 and Junior Class Senator
Madelyn Elia, SPARK
Christopher Kuhn, President of the Veterans Student Organization
Hope Hua, President of the Council of International Students and Organizations
David Duba, CRU Co-President
&
The Volunteers
3
Please send any feedback or inquiries to [email protected]
Abstract
The purpose of this document is to communicate the concerns and subsequent corrective
recommendations of the Mental Health Forum attendees. The first section details the forum, its
goals, and the affiliated organizations. The second section uses the results of the campus mental
health questionnaire to discuss the campus’s mental health climate. Sections three through five
describe attendees’ perceptions of the existing mental health resources as well as methods to
alleviate (mental health) stigma. As a conclusion, the last two sections discuss the diversity of
the student body and its needs.
Return to Contents Section I→
4
I. Introduction
Overview of the Forum
In January 2015, members of the University of Miami Student Health Advisory Committee
began reaching out to student organizations to facilitate an open discussion regarding the
campus’s mental health climate. To measure the University of Miami community’s attitude
toward mental health, students created and disseminated an 11-question survey to students,
faculty, and administrators. The results of the survey showed mental health is a pressing concern
on campus, affirming the need for greater dialogue regarding mental health—a mental health
forum.
Students worked to persuade administrators, faculty, and their peers to take part in the forum. By
April, 11 student organizations had pledged their support for the forum. The forum was
publicized through Facebook (Event Page and Like Page), Instagram, Twitter, Blogger, and the
Ibis Newsletter and gained the support of outgoing university president Donna E. Shalala, who
invited her 250-student class to attend.
The University of Miami’s first Mental Health Forum was held on April 7 in the Donna E.
Shalala Student Center with attendance exceeding 100 students. During the forum, a five-person
panel consisting of Dr. Ernesto Escoto (Director of the Counseling Center), John Gulla (Crisis
Specialist for UMPD), Dr. Jennifer Britton (Department of Psychology), Chris Hartnett (Director
of Residence Life), and David DiDomenico (Brogaard Lab) answered student inquiries about
mental health procedures and resources. Students also conducted discussions, brainstormed in
small groups, and presented original ideas to improve mental health on campus. The most
significant insights derived from the forum are detailed in this report.
Many members of the University of Miami community view the forum as the successful first
step in a larger campaign. The Miami Hurricane wrote an article about the forum which may be
found here.
Return to Contents Goals of the Forum→
5
Goals of the Forum
The immediate goals of the forum were to:
Facilitate an open dialogue addressing mental health
Inform students about university mental health policies/procedures
Listen to students’ opinions of existing programs
Devise ways to expand existing resources
Return to Contents
Affiliated Organizations
Organizations affiliated with the forum included:
Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)
Student Government
Miami Mindfulness
Veteran Students Organization (VSO)
Council on International Student Organizations (COISO)
CRU
Pen and Sword Society
Omicron Delta Kappa
PIER 21
Association of Greek Letter Organizations (AGLO)
SPARK
United Black Students (UBS)
Return to Contents Section II→
6
II. The Mental Health Climate on Campus
This section provides an overview of the mental health questionnaire and relevant ideas from the
mental health forum.
The questionnaire stemmed from a joint effort between the Student Health Advisory Committee
and Student Affairs to evaluate the campus’s mental health climate. It consists of eleven open
and close-ended questions. Affiliated organizations shared the questionnaire via their respective
Facebook pages and email lists.
A copy of the questionnaire results may be found here.
Discussion of Survey Results
Two hundred and fifty-seven members of the University of Miami community responded. Below
is a summary of the responses.
Statistics:
100% of respondents agree that mental health is an important issue
73.43% of respondents consider themselves mentally healthy
62.81% of respondents feel comfortable visiting the Counseling Center
80.19% of respondents feel comfortable talking about mental health
50.24% of respondents have sought professional counseling
43.48% of respondents have had experiences with mental illness
86.47 % of respondents know someone living with an illness
42.51% of respondents believe UM provides adequate mental health resources
Best Known Mental Health Resources at UM:
1. Counseling Center
2. 'Canes Care for 'Canes
3. COPE
Opinion of Resources at UM:
Adequate but can be improved
Understaffed Counseling Center (CC)
More advertisement of resources needed
Issues:
1) Transparency- respondents have expressed feeling uncomfortable not knowing the
procedures the university follows after a mental health emergency
2) Rumors- rumors circulating among respondents about on and off-campus suicides
create misunderstandings and distrust, especially in the absence of communication
from the university
3) Lack of Knowledge About Resources- health resources may be unequally advertised
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4) Student Apathy- individuals who think that mental health will never affect them may
not familiarize themselves with the necessary resources
5) Social Use of Drugs and Alcohol- peer pressure, stress, and the need to escape
compels students to self-medicate with alcohol or illicit substances to relax
6) Stigma- many remain fearful of judgment or of being viewed as “weak”, which
dissuades them from seeking counseling or peer support
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III. The Expansion of Existing Resources
In this section, the mental health resources available to students are listed with a short description
and supplemented by ideas from the forum. It is important to note the recommendations and
pro’s/con’s lists for these resources stem from the discourse among the attendees of the Mental
Health Forum.
Counseling Center
See Section IV
Return to Contents
UMPD
Resource(s):
1. 24/7 Phone Number: 305.284.6666
2. CIT Trained Officers
3. Publications
Pros Cons
Officers are qualified to respond to
mental health emergencies
Response time is prompt ~3 minutes
Publishes the ASR (Annual Security
Report)
Publishes a Safety Matters report
Advertises Suicide prevention
resources
A stigma exists against police
There is a general lack of knowledge
(on behalf of the students) regarding
CIT training
No statistics regarding on/off campus
mental health emergencies are
recorded
The online publications lack tips for
students to handle possible mental
health emergencies
The suicide prevention resources can
be difficult to find
Suggestions:
A. Have officers’ CIT training known on UMPD’s website
B. Include mental health categories in ASR and Safety Matters Report
C. Move the suicide prevention resources
a. Perhaps make a “suicide prevention” category under “Campus Safety & FAQ’s”
D. Provide educational documents about the Baker Act, Marchman Act, Clery Act, and
privacy laws
E. Define UMPD’s role in response to a mental health emergency (i.e. suicide)
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F. Provide educational material(s) about the privacy laws UMPD must follow before
disclosing information about an open investigation
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
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‘Canes Care for ‘Canes
Resources:
1. Report a Concern Form
2. Campus Resources
Pros Cons
Students consider the reporting an
indispensable resource
‘Canes Care’s name is well-known
Many are unaware of the reporting
form
Students have expressed uncertainty
about the function of Canes Care
The ‘Canes Care Ambassadors are
unknown
Suggestions:
A. Put a link to the reporting form on residential tower newsletters, Ibis Newsletter, etc.
B. Publicize identities of the ambassadors
C. Define the function of ‘Canes Care on existing palm cards
D. Have a ‘Canes Care representative in Student Government
E. Facilitate more mental health programming with relevant student organizations
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
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UM Unites
Resource(s):
1. Educational Resources
2. QPR/ASIST Training
3. Depression Screenings
Pros Cons
Offers valuable training
Training is not well advertised to
undergraduates
Has little to no presence on the main
UM website
Few know about the periodic
depression screenings
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Suggestions:
A. Conduct more training on the Coral Gables campus
B. Make UM Unites more visible to undergraduates
a. Table, host events, etc.
C. Use Screening for Mental Health Inc. or another screening tool
D. Inform undergraduates of the existence and function of UM Unites via email or brochure
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
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Department of Clinical Psychology
Resource(s):
1. Free services on the 2nd floor of Flipse
Pros Cons
Offers services Few know about the availability of
these services
Has a limited capacity
Suggestions:
A. Advertise the counseling services via student organizations or the CC
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
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Active Minds
Resource(s):
1. Ability to refer students to the available mental health resources
2. Text Talk Act Event (TTA)
3. Send Silence Packing (SSP)
Pros Cons
Is student-led which increases
approachability
TTA stimulates constructive dialogue
SSP is very impactful
Is student-led, which incurs liability
issues should a member do too much
TTA occurs near finals week (and Oct.
6)
SSP is very expensive
Members are not familiar with all
(mental health) resources
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Suggestions:
A. Foster a spirit of collaboration with other relevant student organizations (i.e. Student
Health Advisory Committee, COPE, ‘Canes Care for ‘Canes, etc.)
B. Have as many members QPR trained as possible
C. Increase media presence via creation of a public website
a. Weebly- allows blog posting and web traffic counting
D. Communicate with other Active Minds chapters to discuss effective programming
and fundraising
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
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Housing & Residential Life
Resource(s):
1. Phone Numbers
a. Main- 305.284.4505
b. Eaton- 305.284.4282
c. Hecht- 305.284.2188
d. Stanford- 305.284.2555
e. Mahoney- 305.284.4144
f. Pearson- 305.284.4211
g. UV- 305.284.3680
2. RA/FYF’s may report concerning behavior
3. Area Directors follow-up with students demonstrating need
Pros Cons
The staff is very willing to help
Students are very aware of HRL’s
services
Is Available 24/7
Few staff members are trained to
handle mental health emergencies
RA/FYF’s may be unqualified to
identify mental health emergency
Suggestions:
A. Have RA/FYF’s trained in QPR or a similar program
B. Train at least one staff member per residence hall in ASIST (comprehensive suicide
gatekeeper training)
C. Define procedures to address mental health/mental health emergencies in HRL “Policies
& Procedures”
D. Provide parents with informational resources to recognize distressing behavior in students
E. Host guest dinners with figures from the mental health/wellness community
F. Put the Report a Concern Form link in every residential college newsletter
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
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Counseling Outreach Peer Education (COPE)
Resource(s):
1. Paraprofessional students with training for active listening
2. Monthly Let’s Talk events
3. SART Hotline: 305.798.6666
4. Programming to raise mental health awareness
5. Provide presentations via form
Pros Cons
Uses students, which increases
approachability
Frequently hosts events
Covers suicide prevention, sexual
assault, and body acceptance
Members do not receive peer educator
training
Few members receive advanced
training (i.e. QPR)
The Let’s Talk events attract more
COPE members than non-COPE
members
Suggestions:
A. Provide members with advanced training
B. Collaborate more with other health organizations
C. Set the small group names (confusion exists because UM Lifeguards no longer exists but
is still advertised)
D. Identify the members on the official UM website COPE page
E. Create a resource so students may anonymously ask and receive answers to mental
health-related questions
a. Google Forms or Tumblr
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
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Pier 21
Resource(s):
1. Email: [email protected]
2. Phone Number: 305.284.5353
Pros Cons
Possesses an abundance of
information and tips regarding drug
and alcohol use
Has a significant presence on campus
Do not have educational materials
regarding drug and alcohol amnesty
policies
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Suggestions:
A. Author and distribute brochures regarding the alcohol and drug amnesty policies
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
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National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Resource(s):
1. Trained call center representatives
2. Immediate online chatting availability
3. Phone Number- 1.800.273.8255
Pros Cons
Gives immediate help Is not affiliated with UM and therefore
does not inform university of pressing
issues
Suggestions:
A. Advertising online chatting resource
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
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Student Health Center
Resource(s):
1. Phone Line- 305.284.9100
2. Email- [email protected]
3. Referrals to the counseling center
4. Screening for mental illness upon intake
Pros Cons
Conducts intake screenings
Collaborates frequently with student
organizations
Utilizes Blackboard well to conduct
surveys
Advertises good survey incentives
May not be viewed as a possible entry
point to mental health care
Suggestions:
A. Promote the Health Center as a mental health resource
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
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Switchboard of Miami
Resource(s):
1. Phone Line- 305.358.4357
Pros Cons
Offers a wide range of services
Extensive provider network
Most are unsure about its
function/lack of student awareness
Seems more oriented toward the
community at large
Suggestions:
A. Define the switchboard’s function
**The above information represents the ideas of the attendees of the Mental Health Forum. **
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Dean of Students Office
Resource(s):
1. Phone Line- 305.284.5353
2. Email- [email protected]
Pros Cons
Is a well-known resource
Is often viewed as a disciplinary entity
The Student Handbook lacks a section
addressing individual mental health
Its role in mental health emergency
response is unknown
Suggestions:
A. Author document(s) stating how DOSO may help students through problems
B. Amend Student Handbook to include a section addressing mental health under
“University Policies and Procedures”
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
Return to Contents Section IV→
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IV. The Resources and Visibility of the Counseling Center
This section summarizes student feedback regarding increased visibility and awareness of the CC
as well as any other comments on resources.
Resources:
Phone Line- 305.284.5511
Personal Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Group Therapy
o Drop-In Mindfulness Meditation
o Gay, Lesbian, or Questioning Support Group
o Graduate Student Support Group
o International Student Group
o Sisters in Sharing
o Social Anxiety Group
o General Anxiety Group
Psychiatric Counseling
Outreach
Academic Counseling
Referrals
Self-Help Resources
Pros Cons
Allows students 16 visits per
academic year as opposed to the
national average of 12
Responds within 5 to 10 minutes of
walk-in crises
24/7 a counselor is on call
Runs a peer education program
(COPE)
Offers a diverse selection of group
therapy
Uses the UMCC Triage System
Has the UMCC On-Call System
Immense stigma against using its
services
Students may not know the health and
wellness fees cover the services
The waiting period occasionally
exceeds two weeks
Group therapy/support groups are not
well advertised
There exists a lack of post-crisis
communication (namely
advertisement of counseling
resources)
Students remain unsure of
confidentiality of appointment (i.e.
will using CC go on file)
Recommendations:
A. Implement online scheduling
a. Eliminates some stigma associated with entering the CC to schedule
b. Perhaps follow the ARC model
16
c. Confidentiality forms may be signed in person upon arrival to appointment to
save time and clarify misconceptions
B. Increase post-crisis communication and transparency
a. Define the CC’s role in crisis response
b. Send email to students following a crisis detailing the CC’s support system
C. Provide a walk-through of a typical appointment (on the official UM website)
a. Make students feel at ease by dispelling uncertainties
D. Increase the advertisement of existing support groups
a. When tabling, provide brochures with support groups information
E. Consider more external resources
a. Explore mobile apps: Talk Life, Suicide Safe, Optimism Mood/Behavior Tracker,
Zur Institute
b. Online Resource: Blah Therapy, Change Direction Campaign, ULifeline, Text,
START to 741-741
F. Start a hotline
a. Hire a trained advocate(s) as an alternative to going to the CC
b. Extremely depressed individuals may not seek help in person
G. Hold an open house at the beginning of each semester
a. Allows students to meet the Director + clinicians
b. Provide food/entertainment and show the CC as a place for all students
H. Have the CC included in P100 tours
I. Consider moving the location of the CC
a. To reduce stigma, put the Health Center and CC in same building, so visits are
more confidential
J. Improve the Confidentiality of Waiting Room
K. Send an additional exit survey
a. Send by email following appointment asking for feedback about a student’s
experience, thoughts on the provider, etc.
L. Offer translators to international students
a. Language and cultural barriers may prevent international students from seeking
help
**The above information represents the ideas of the Mental Health Forum attendees. **
Return to Contents Section V→
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V. Working to Eliminate the Social Stigma of Seeking Help
This section addresses the reduction of the stigma present at the University of Miami (and
campuses across the nation) against mental health and the seeking of professional help to
preserve mental health. Forum attendees attribute the stigma against mental health as the main
contributor for the worsening of existing mental illness.
The recommended methods to reduce stigma stem from ideas written by the attendees of the
Mental Health Forum. A potential plan of action and timeline follow each recommendation. We
understand one party alone cannot break the barriers surrounding mental health as the effort must
come from a joint effort between students, parents and our university.
Monthly Programming
Plan:
1. Assemble the members of SHAC, COPE, Active Minds, HOPE (Health Outreach Peer
Education), CC, Wellness Center, and Health Center to brainstorm monthly events to
educate students about different aspects of mental wellness
2. Hold workshop-like sessions where education and open dialog occur
3. Record these workshops so those who do not attend may also reap the benefits
Goal: Fall 2015
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Faces of Mental Health Campaign
Plan:
1. An initiative of the University of Miami chapter of Active Minds to put faces to mental
health
2. Have SHAC, COPE, CC, Health Center, Wellness Center, Student Government support
(it)
Goal: Fall 2015
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Online Student Feedback
Plan:
1. Make a UM Mental Health account on a submission website like Tumblr
2. Alternatively, provide an anonymous Google Form through which students may voice
their opinions regarding the mental health climate
18
Goal: Spring 2016
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Greek Mental Health Symposium
Plan:
1. Assemble the leaders of Greek/Panhellenic organizations to discuss mental health
2. Brainstorm ways to destigmatize mental health/seeking help among fraternities/sororities
3. Have Greek organizations elect one member per year to receive active
listening/gatekeeper training
Goal: Spring 2016
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Wellness Center Promotion of Physical and Mental Wellness
Plan:
1. Coordinate with the Wellness Center to create a month long campaign advertising the
unity of physical and mental wellness
2. Emphasize how physical exercise benefits mental health by alleviating stress
3. Promote sauna and hot tub as stress-relieving entities
4. Hold more mindfulness, meditation, and yoga sessions
Goal: Spring 2016
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Awareness Campaign Addressing Misuse of Mental Health Terminology
Plan:
1. Have COPE, CC, SHAC and Active Minds design posters and handouts to address usage
of mental health terminology
2. Event explaining mental health terms (insanity, crazy, psychosis, depression, etc.) and
detriment of misusing them
Goal: Spring 2016
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Orientation Programming
Plan:
1. Author a UMX mental health module with all mental health resources listed
a. Creation advised by student advocates and the CC
b. Educate students about what mental health is and is not
c. Teach the value of seeking help
2. Organize an orientation program to show students the CC and its function outside of
treating mental illness (i.e. function as a listening ear, academic counseling)
Goal: Fall 2016
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Informal Student Support Groups
Plan:
1. Train interested COPE, Active Minds, ‘Canes Care and SHAC members, RA/FYF’s, and
graduate students to use advanced active listening methods and QPR/ASIST
2. Hold informal support groups held each month or week
3. Have students report potential issues to a clinician supervisor/the CC/HRL
4. Give students a notation on their transcript for their service
Goal: Fall 2016
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Educational Program for Parents
Plan:
1. Partner with the students and CC to author and devise an educational program for parents
addressing mental health
2. Make parents aware of existing mental health policies, resources, warning signs, and how
they can help
Goal: Fall 2016/17
Return to Contents Section VI→
20
VI. The Diversity of the Student Body and its Needs
The University of Miami is home to an eclectic student body. Accordingly, our community
demonstrates a variety of needs given the cultures, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds
represented. While not every person’s individual needs can be satisfied, it is vital to the success
of our community to ensure that as many needs are met as possible.
In order to meet the needs of the student body, we recommend these programs/resources be
planned and implemented:
Depression screenings sent out once per semester via the student listserv
QPR training for as many interested students as possible
A cultural assimilation programming for international students
Transfer Student Orientation that provides more information regarding mental health
o Include flyers/brochures detailing all available resources
o Have a representative from the CC speak
A student stress survey to assess the stress level and coping techniques of the student
body
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21
VII. Conclusion
The Way We Discuss Suicide
It is not at all easy to discuss suicide, especially in a setting like the University of Miami, full of
highly competitive, high-achieving individuals. On top of this, mere rumors about suicide may
shake any institution to its core. As such, it is important to address possible suicides as well. In
any case, suicide represents a public health issue, and it is for the safety and wellbeing of all that
it be reported in a way that pacifies the communal anxiety that surrounds a suicide.
First and foremost, we must alter the language we use to describe suicide. Rather than saying
“committed suicide,” it would be more prudent to say “died by suicide” as this phrase makes
suicide a passive action and minimizes shock. Also, it is important that along with the
announcement of a suicide that a list or link detailing warning signs and what an individual can
do to intervene is included. Most importantly, mental health resources (hotlines, text services, on
campus resources) should be present in the announcement of any variety of mental health
emergency. Even when a suicide is not confirmed, any event which may trigger distress or
rumors of suicide calls for the inclusion of a resource list.
The students at the University of Miami are very fortunate in that the campus offers a broad
range of mental health resources. Additionally, the University of Miami offers effective outlets
to alleviate student stress. More information about discussing suicide may be found here.
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Ending Remarks
This report represents the ideas and concerns put forth by the attendees of UM’s first Mental
Health Forum. These attendees included administrators, professors, student organization leaders,
Greek organization leaders, Student Government representatives, members of the Dean of
Students Office, and others.
To address the mental health climate on the University of Miami campus, we propose the
creation of a Mental Health Coalition composed of students and administrators/faculty. The
immediate goals of this coalition would be:
1) To facilitate open communication between student organization leaders and
faculty/administration regarding mental health efforts
2) To implement recommendations derived from the April 7, 2015 Mental Health Forum
report
3) To conduct surveys to better gauge the mental health climate of the University of Miami
4) To facilitate collaboration among the student organizations in regards to mental wellness
programming
5) To design effective programming to best educate the UM community about mental health
22
6) To reach out to other universities in order to compare practices, programming, and
surveying techniques
We understand that the University of Miami strives to meet the needs of the student body and
preserve individual success and wellness. As such, we hope this report inspires increased
collaboration and open discussion between students and the university to address mental health
on our campus.
We thank the University of Miami for its support of student-led initiatives as well as the creation
of an environment in which students and administrators/faculty may hold open discussion
regarding student concerns.
Please send any feedback or inquiries to [email protected]
For creating and editing of this document, we would like to recognize:
Austin Eng, Co-President of the Student Health Advisory Committee
Kristiana Yao, Co-President of the Student Health Advisory Committee
Willy Chertman, Chair of Counseling Outreach Peer Education
Jacob Rosewater, Public Relations for Counseling Outreach Peer Education
Nicholas Meury, Senator for the School of Architecture
Neha Rajan, Class of 2019
Return to Contents Acknowledgements