Defining Faculty’s Role in Supporting Student Mental Health Needs in Higher Education

Author

Erica B. Riba, CUNY College of Staten IslandFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-11-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

First Advisor

Kathleen Cumiskey, PhD

Abstract

The subject of mental health among college students has been prevalent for decades. Today, college students are facing more challenges to mental wellness than ever before. Faculty are often the first and only point of contact for many students. Faculty have a role to play in supporting student mental health, but that role has not been clearly defined. This study aims to bring clarity to some of these critical issues and offers a lens into this broad topic from faculty themselves. A mixed-methods design was used for this study. 889 people who have downloaded The Jed Foundation’s Faculty Guide to Supporting Student Mental Health and opted in to be contacted were invited to participate in a survey on faculty’s role in student mental health. Data used was based on 114 responses to the study; 95 people were included in the final analysis. Based on responses, 7 faculty were identified and agreed to participate in semi-structured interviews via Zoom technology. The research showed that centering faculty voices in response to student mental health needs matters and has been absent from the literature. The support of college and university administrators and peers is important in this work. Resources, budget, and culture are integral into building a community that values student mental health. Faculty want to be encouraged to be included in strengthening campus responses to student mental health needs. Finally, faculty who are valued and recognized are more likely to respond to student mental health needs.

Comments

The cover page was scanned with faculty advisor signatures; the signatures were removed before posting to maintain security - admin acknowledges that the dissertation included was the version with final faculty advisor approval

Recommended Citation

Riba, Erica B., "Defining Faculty’s Role in Supporting Student Mental Health Needs in Higher Education" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/si_etds/15