1 Culture and Climate

Although students receive frequent reminders of wellness resources from orientation and ongoing newsletters, it is important that they feel supported in and out of the classroom throughout their educational experience. Integrated wellness resources in classrooms may build better relationships between students and faculty; however, without standardized training and requirements, faculty may feel unsupported. Additionally, it is important that faculty and staff feel comfortable in offering space for students to practice wellness without compromising the difficulty and integrity of the course. With a renewed commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the following action items are recommended:

• Increase the awareness of services and resources that are available to improve mental health. These include both preventive services as well as those intended to help with more acute issues.
  • Create a new website for all IU mental health resources and services. This website will be a one-stop-shop for all related activities. Task force will make recommendations as to how this website should be updated, and offer suggestions as to how campuses can increase or create programming or services to fill gaps
  • Embed messaging in syllabi and in Canvas resources. Task force will make recommendations as to standard messaging to be included in syllabi and for Canvas modules that might be adapted or included for students.
  • Design orientations and re-orientations, with frequent messaging to both inform and remind students of available programs and resources available to them. Task force will make recommendations as to the format and content of orientations on each campus.
• Increase promotion of the importance of mental health, and of IU’s commitment to that goal.
  • Increase the number of dedicated areas to student wellness and mental health. A number of schools have established “stress-free” areas, pods, or relaxation areas. Task force will make recommendations for expanding these and making sure they are available to all students.
• Increase community-building events for graduate students, who often have a harder time making social connections. Task force will make recommendations specifically focusing on graduate students, and form a sub-committee tasked with that effort.
• Train faculty, graduate students, RAs, and other staff in becoming active partners in mental health management by recognizing those students who need assistance. Task force will make recommendations and guide the creation of resources to help faculty, graduate students, RAs, and staff feel comfortable in recognizing mental health issues and steering students to assistance.
• Create resources to help those who recognize need in others to make referrals.
• Decrease the stigma of mental health.
  • Create a culture of transparency around the missions and purpose of our CAPS and counseling services. Task force will make recommendations as to what messaging and formats will accomplish these efforts.
  • Identify individuals within the IU community, especially in leadership, willing to share their stories of successfully dealing with mental illness, addiction, or mental health issues. Task force will make recommendations as to what messaging and formats will help to normalize mental health issues.
• Integrate messaging about wellness and mental health in all aspects of campus life, including advising.
• Measure stigma on campus every year to determine the impact of these recommendations over time. Task force will make recommendations as to what measures to use as well as when and how to administer them.