Allen Russell, a seasoned mathematics professor with 27 years of experience at Elon University, has observed a noticeable shift in the campus climate regarding mental health. While mental health concerns were present in previous years, Russell noted a marked increase in their prevalence, particularly since the 2000s.
Russell, who himself grappled with anxiety upon returning to campus after a period of virtual teaching, has encountered numerous students struggling with stress and anxiety related to “college life.” This trend is not unique to Russell; several professors at Elon University have also observed a rise in mental health issues among students in recent years.
According to Russell, there’s a growing awareness among professors about the importance of directing students towards university counseling services and outreach programs. However, there’s a concern about the capacity of these services to meet the escalating demand for mental health resources on campus.
“As professors, we think that we are looking at first-year college students, but you can’t look at it like that, these are first-year college students who lost critical years in high school,” observed sociology professor Karen Wirth, attributing part of the surge in mental health needs to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While professors like Russell strive to create a supportive environment for students, they also acknowledge the limitations of their expertise. Russell emphasized the potential harm of attempting to address mental health issues beyond one’s scope of knowledge.
To address student concerns effectively, Elon University employs automated notifications such as Elon E-alerts and care and concern forms, both of which directly contact students via email. These mechanisms facilitate timely intervention and support for students in need.
Karen Wirth recounted an experience where a student, grappling with mental health issues, took an incomplete in her course and returned home. Despite efforts to assist the student via Zoom, they ultimately did not return to campus. Through this encounter, Wirth discovered that care and concern forms often yield better results compared to E-alerts in terms of follow-up and support.
Matt Blomberg, an assistant professor of journalism, echoed the sentiment, finding care and concern forms easy to navigate and effective in addressing student needs. He emphasized that faculty have access to resources and training courses to enhance their understanding of mental health resources on campus and how to utilize them effectively.
Despite acknowledging the strain on mental health services due to the overwhelming demand, professors like Russell remain committed to supporting students with the resources available to them. Russell emphasized the importance of maintaining an open-door policy and providing a supportive presence for students in need of assistance.
