Addressing the Growing Need
University is an exciting time, full of opportunities for personal growth and lasting memories. While it comes with challenges like demanding classes and new social experiences, it also provides valuable learning opportunities and personal development.
Recently, there has been a rise in demand for counselling services on campuses. Various factors have contributed to this increase, as students face multiple pressures and turn to their universities for help. At the same time, these institutions struggle with squeezed budgets and rising expectations to support their students better.
In this blog, we will explore the pressures contributing to student mental health, strategies for supporting student well-being, addressing diverse student needs, and the benefits of institutions investing in student mental health.
Pressures Contributing to Student Mental Health
Students today navigate various challenges, from managing finances to adjusting to new environments. While rising tuition and living costs can be demanding, these experiences help build resilience, independence, and valuable life skills.
In the UK, students are cutting costs due to rising living expenses. A National Union of Students survey found that 90% of university students believe increased living costs adversely affect their mental health.
Additionally, Australian Education costs have seen their highest quarterly increase in five years and Irish university students require over €14,000 annually to support themselves during the academic year.
Supporting Student Wellbeing and Success
Given these challenges, student wellbeing has become more crucial than ever in higher education. SEAtS offer a solution that helps institutions keep students on track to graduate.
By monitoring attendance and engagement data, SEAtS ONE provides valuable insights into student well-being and automatically triggers alerts when students may need additional support. This proactive approach enables institutions to identify students who may be facing challenges early on, allowing staff to step in with timely assistance.
As a result, students receive the guidance they need to stay engaged and on track, leading to improved retention and graduation rates, and ultimately contributing to a more successful and supportive academic experience for everyone.
Academic Workload and Pressure
Academic workload, part-time jobs, and the desire to meet expectations can sometimes increase stress levels, impacting both mental health and academic performance.
By regularly monitoring attendance, institutions can quickly identify patterns of absenteeism, allowing for early support and guidance. This proactive approach helps ensure students have the resources they need to stay engaged and succeed.
As a result, it enhances student retention, well-being, and academic performance, while creating a more supportive and responsive learning environment that encourages growth and success.
Diverse Student Needs
Students from diverse backgrounds may face unique challenges, such as adapting to new cultural norms or navigating integration for international students.
However, with tailored support and inclusive programs, these challenges become valuable opportunities for growth, helping students build a strong sense of belonging and succeed academically.
SEAtS’ widening participation tools provides institutions with actionable insights, they need to improve retention and attainment rates for at-risk students from underrepresented groups. These tools streamline follow-up processes, ensuring they are simple, repeatable, and equitable for staff and students.
How Institutions Can Help Students
Benefits of Investing in Student Mental Health
A positive mental state enables students to engage deeply with their studies, exhibit higher levels of creativity and concentration, and improve their academic results.
When students feel mentally well, they are more likely to participate actively in class, collaborate with peers, and approach challenges with confidence, leading to a more fulfilling and successful academic experience.
Investing in student mental health has long-term benefits that extend into the professional world, including higher productivity, creative problem-solving skills, and reduced absenteeism.
Conclusion
The impact of mental illness on students can be profound, often leading to significant academic struggles, lower grades, and higher dropout rates, all of which affect their long-term success and well-being. These challenges can also contribute to a cycle of stress and disengagement that further exacerbates academic and personal difficulties.
By implementing comprehensive support systems and proactive solutions like SEAtS, educational institutions can play a crucial role in improving student mental health and academic success, providing the necessary tools and interventions to break this cycle and foster a more supportive learning environment.
SEAtS ONE offers real-time data on attendance, engagement, and well-being, allowing staff to quickly identify students needing support. By enabling early interventions and a personalised approach, SEAtS ONE helps break the cycle of stress and disengagement, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
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Interested in learning more about how SEAtS ONE can help your institution in enhancing student wellbeing through data-driven insights and proactive interventions?
