Pillar 2

Mental health literacy, education and stigma reduction

Progress tracking for Pillar 2 of the Student Mental Health Action plan.

Priority Area

Status
2.1 Improve communications and promotion of all university mental health services.

Indicators:

  • Launch and promote a resource web page
  • User evaluation and webpage analytics
  • Use rates of self-help resources
  • Participation rates in workshops and support groups
 In progress
Actions:
  • Student Success and Experience and Communications are developing a new student services communications strategy.
2.2 Integrate trauma-informed mental health education and anti-stigma messaging into academic settings.

Indicators:

  • Number of instructors signed up for Wellness in the Classroom Support for Instructors Program
  • Launch eClass module and resources
  • Develop syllabus template
  • Number of in-class peer wellness presentations
  • Instructor feedback on resources shared for the classroom
 In progress
Actions:
  • The Wellness in the Classroom Support for Instructors Program provides mental health resources for instructors to share in the classroom and organizes a monthly community of practice for instructors to discuss mental health in teaching. It started a pilot program to offer in-class peer-led brief mental health presentations.
2.3 Develop a culturally-informed strategy for International students to increase awareness of mental health concerns and service, and combat stigma of help-seeking.

Indicators:

  • Develop resource guides
  • Number of international students accessing services
  • International student feedback
 To begin
Actions:
  • Counselling and Clinical Services offers a resource library of self-help and mental health tip sheets in English and Simplified Chinese. 
2.4. Support the continued growth and expansion of Indigenous wellness initiatives, cultural spaces and supports for FNMI students.

Indicators:

  • FNMI student retention, enrolment and graduation rates
  • Number of events hosted and attendance rates
  • Number of Indigenous support workers and professionals working in the university community
 In progress
Actions:
  • First People’s House offers support, community and resources for Indigenous students at the U of A, and will be moving into a larger space to meet the needs of their community better. 
  • Miyomahcihowin is an Indigenous student outreach initiative that partners with campus groups to provide mental health resources and host wellness events for Indigenous students. The program offers workshops, cultural activities, guest speakers, student meals, and other wellness activities.
2.5 Destigmatize recovery and grow a student recovery community

Indicators:

  • The size of the Student Recovery Community
  • The number of events that do not involve alcohol and focus on community building on campus
  •  The number of students referred to support services
  •  Student feedback on improvements
  • Use of online recovery resources
  • The number of recovery-related referrals to mental health services
  • The number of Student Conduct and Residence Agreement cases related to substance use
 In progress
Actions:
  • The Student Recovery Community initiative provides support and community for students in recovery on campus. 
  • The Wellness Supports Social Work Team are trained Recovery Coaches, and provide one-on-one supportive case management to students for a variety of concerns.