OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi students have an opportunity this week to complete the Healthy Minds Survey, which will affect the future of mental health, substance use and suicide prevention planning and resource allotment on campus.
The anonymous survey results will give university leaders a more complete picture of student health at the university and allow them to more accurately plan for the future, said Kate Forster, director of advocacy in the Division of Student Affairs.
The survey was emailed to approximately half the student body, but Forster said faculty members also have an opportunity to make an impact.
“Mental health impacts every part of a student’s life, including classroom participation and academic performance,” Forster said. “I think faculty members have an opportunity in every class to share with students what this data means for our campus and not only how we enhance our services, but how we approach students’ needs across campus.”
The Healthy Minds Study is a part of a larger JED Campus program. The program and participating universities and colleges are committed to assessing and enhancing mental health, substance use and suicide prevention policies, programs and systems.
Once the survey data is collected, findings will be shared with the larger university community and recommendations will be made by the JED Campus community.