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Accident – Death – Obituary News : In response to the growing concern over mental health on college campuses, particularly among students, faculty, and staff, the University of Iowa has taken proactive steps to address this issue. In a recent study conducted by the Scanlon Center for School Mental Health at the UI, faculty and staff at seven Iowa community colleges were surveyed to assess their confidence and competence in helping students with mental health needs.
Barry Schreier, a clinical professor of counseling psychology at the University of Iowa and director of higher education programming for the Scanlon Center, highlighted the importance of faculty and staff being able to support students who may be experiencing mental health challenges. The study revealed that while faculty and staff are willing to help, many do not feel as confident as they would like to in addressing these needs.
Building on the success of the initial phase of the study, the Scanlon Center is now moving into phase two of the “State of Iowa Higher Education Staff and Faculty Mental Health and Wellbeing Study.” This expanded study will include a wider range of institutions, including regent universities and private higher education institutions, to further assess the mental health needs of staff and faculty across the state.
The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the mental health challenges facing faculty and staff in higher education settings and will help inform the development of targeted support and resources to address these needs. By prioritizing the mental health and wellbeing of all members of the college community, the University of Iowa is taking a proactive approach to creating a supportive and healthy campus environment for everyone.
As part of an ongoing research initiative, experts are now reaching out to additional community colleges, private schools, and regent universities in the state of Iowa to gather data on faculty and staff preparedness to help students in distress. The second phase of the research, set to begin in April, aims to build on the success of the initial survey conducted last year, which garnered a significant 30 percent response rate.
According to lead researcher Schreier, the strong response rate was achieved through a strategic approach involving multiple contacts with the colleges over a five-week period. The upcoming phase of the study will focus on assessing the actual responses of faculty and staff members to student distress, as well as their own mental health and the institutional supports available to them.
The need for such research is underscored by national data showing a rise in mental health issues among students, staff, and faculty in higher education, exacerbated by the long-term effects of the pandemic. A recent health assessment at the University of Iowa revealed that a significant portion of faculty and staff were experiencing stress-related health risks, concentration difficulties, and work-related stress.
Results from the initial phase of the Iowa-specific research highlighted that a considerable percentage of community college faculty and staff are exhibiting symptoms of burnout, anxiety, and depression. However, a majority also reported feelings of competence, goodness, and contribution to the well-being of others.
One key finding from the study is the willingness of faculty and staff to engage in conversations with students about mental health issues and refer them to resources, despite feeling that others may be better equipped for the task. The research also revealed a strong desire for more training and resources to address student needs, including lists of resources, considerations, and suicide prevention training.
Based on the data collected, recommendations will be made to the participating campuses to enhance mental health support for both faculty and students. The overarching goal of the research is to create a comprehensive picture of mental health on campus, encompassing both the struggles and the flourishing aspects.
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