Message from Chancellor King
Dear campus community,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a time to raise awareness about mental illness and reduce stigma around it. While no groups of people are immune to mental health challenges, we know these issues are pervasive on college campuses.
In a 2021 survey by the American College Health Association, almost three quarters of students reported moderate or severe psychological distress. Another survey shared that emotional stress has become the most common reason students say they are considering dropping out of college.
Here at UW-Whitewater, we are thankful to have free resources for our students, employees, and the community. While we are fully committed to meeting the needs of our university, we are not done trying to expand and improve our offerings.
To that end, I would like to share with you two major efforts that are underway:
- First, we have partnered with the JED Foundation to assess the state of our university’s mental health landscape, including services, policies, and responsiveness. Members of the JED Foundation were on campus this year to complete an assessment and we have received their recommendations in the form of a mental health strategic plan.
- Second, I’m announcing the formation of a new task force: The Chancellor’s Committee on Mental Health. With the report from the JED Foundation in-hand, this committee of university experts will work on implementing the plan and ensuring we are fully maximizing our efforts to support our entire university community.
Remember that mental health issues can be serious. Always seek help from your physician or a professional if necessary. Here are some early warning signs. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, here is information to get help right away.
Thank you,
Corey A. King
Chancellor