COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) have announced a significant four-year partnership with JED Campus, a nationwide initiative of The Jed Foundation (JED), aimed at enhancing mental health support for students. This collaboration is a key component of the Be Well initiative, which is central to the universities’ strategic plan to foster a transformative student experience.
With nearly half of college students nationwide reporting experiences of depression and 38% diagnosed with anxiety, mental health challenges have become a pressing issue on campuses across the country. Over 80% of students say mental health difficulties have impacted their academic performance, while a significant portion has faced issues like self-injury or suicidal thoughts.
A Comprehensive Approach to Student Well-Being
Dr. Pam Bacon, associate provost and dean of the faculty at CSB and SJU, emphasized the importance of providing holistic support to students. “We need to ensure our students have the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally,” she said. “By integrating comprehensive mental health resources, training, and systemic changes, Be Well will enhance student resilience and emotional well-being, promote retention, and ultimately improve graduation rates.”
As part of this initiative, CSB and SJU have partnered with JED Campus to evaluate and strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs. The JED Campus program currently engages nearly 500 campuses nationwide, impacting over six million students across 44 states and the District of Columbia.
JED Campus: A National Leader in Mental Health Support
John MacPhee, CEO of JED, highlighted the critical role colleges play in addressing mental health challenges. “The college years are when many mental health issues first emerge, and they can also be a time of significant stress and pressure,” he said. “JED Campus helps schools evaluate and strengthen their support systems for student emotional health and well-being, guiding them to implement comprehensive, practical solutions.”
CSB and SJU have already implemented various support structures, including expanded counseling services, a dedicated team to support students in distress, enhanced accessibility services, and proactive wellness programs. However, with an increasing number of students seeking counseling—nearly double the number over the past five years—the demand for these services has outpaced capacity.
Jody Terhaar, dean of students at CSB, acknowledged the growing need for enhanced mental health resources. “We’ve long recognized the importance of student mental health,” she said. “But with the rising number of students experiencing emotional distress and academic disruptions due to mental health challenges, it’s clear that we need to further strengthen our support systems.”
Strategic Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
Through the JED Campus partnership, CSB and SJU will undergo a data-driven, strategic assessment of their existing mental health resources. The first steps will include the formation of a campus-wide interdisciplinary team to evaluate and implement improvements in programs, policies, and systems related to mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention.
Following a confidential self-assessment survey, JED’s subject matter experts will provide a comprehensive feedback report, offering insights into successes and opportunities for improvement. This will set the stage for the development of targeted action plans aimed at strengthening campus mental health initiatives.
Bacon noted that the collaboration with JED is more than just advisory; it represents a transformative, structured approach to enhancing student well-being. “JED will guide us through a four-year strategic process that includes comprehensive data collection, campus-wide assessments, and targeted action plans,” she explained. “They will help us implement best practices across multiple areas, including life skills development, crisis management, faculty and staff training, and student engagement.”
Shaping the Future of Student Well-Being
Looking ahead, Terhaar sees significant potential for improving student development on both campuses. “The communication and coordination we develop over these four years will reshape how we approach student well-being for the future,” she said. “We’re committed to ensuring that every student at CSB and SJU has the support, skills, and resources they need to thrive.”
This partnership represents a bold step toward fostering a supportive, resilient, and compassionate campus community at both CSB and SJU, addressing one of the most pressing issues facing college students today.
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