We continue to evaluate and improve our services and programs through partnerships and collaborations across all five campuses. Much has been accomplished the past three years under the President’s Initiative for Student Mental Health (PRISMH) in services and treatment, research, faculty support, and communications. A transition plan is being developed to ensure momentum continues as PRISMH ends. Serving the increasing number of enrolled students who have a pre-existing mental health diagnosis (51.7 percent) is a challenge. The wide variety of student needs also makes it increasingly difficult to meet student, parent, and family expectations.

Student opportunities to get involved and develop a sense of belonging include: engaging in any of our 900+ student organizations; joining a sorority fraternity, intramural, or sports club team; enrolling in a Leadership minor course; attending hundreds of free events at student unions; or finding community in a cultural center. Our robust parent and family program regularly communicates to families about University events and annually hosts parent family weekend.

Several systems are in place to respond when students become a threat to themselves or others, find themselves in difficult situations, or die unexpectedly. Assessment and intervention systems are aligned with national best practices and involve a coordinated effort from a collaborative team of trained professionals.

The University has a decentralized model for delivery of student career readiness services, but “Strengthen career readiness and outcomes for all students” is an MPact 2025 goal. A work group has been identifying opportunities to address challenges inherent in a decentralized approach through systemwide strategies and coordination. Currently, resources and structural barriers are preventing us in accomplishing the plan. A recommendation will be forthcoming and will need guidance from the president and provost in order to move forward.

Many individual students and student organizations actively express their points of view on our campus. Our goal is to educate and work with students to create a safe environment and an understanding of the legal parameters around free speech and protest. Many individuals lack understanding about what speech is protected and what speech/actions violate the law or the Student Code of Conduct. This education is ongoing, including via our campus resource page, and is necessary not only for students but for faculty and staff as well. Preparation is also underway to raise awareness and promote respectful engagement for the 2024 presidential election.