Welcome to November’s edition of THE VIBE! It’s hard to believe we’re already here. With colder weather, shorter days, and the pressures of the season, this time of year can be particularly stressful for our students.
During this period, Student Life support services often see an increase in student concerns. Units like Counseling & Psychological Services, Student Advocacy & Support, the Center for Advocacy, Response & Education, and Services for Students with Disabilities have been busy ramping up their efforts to meet a rising need.
One of the best ways to support our students is knowing where to refer them. Last year, we were part of a collaboration with Undergraduate Education and Student Success to create a quick student referral guide to help connect students with the right campus resources. Please use this guide as a tool when assisting students.
As always, we’re here to help.
Dee Dee Anderson
Vice Chancellor for Student Life
Supporting Your Student with Referrals to Campus Resources
You can make a difference by submitting referrals to units that support UNL students' academic, social, and emotional wellbeing and consulting with their staff for advice on supporting students in need.
Exceeding Standards:
CAPS Impact on Student Well-being
In the 2023-2024 academic year, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provided significant support, seeing 2,185 students for a total of 9,424 sessions. Despite staffing shortages, the team met the demands, working above what is considered a full, private counselor caseload to meet the campus's needs.
UNL students report similar levels of depression and anxiety as national averages. However, student outcomes after treatment at the UNL CAPS consistently outperform national averages. Benchmarking data from the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS) tracks pre- and post-treatment changes in nearly 400,000 students seeking counseling services at institutions across the U.S. UNL students show a more significant reduction in mental health symptoms than the average across all eight areas: depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, academic distress, eating concerns, frustration/anger, alcohol use, and distress.
Another aspect of providing quality care to patients was a relaunch of the university's suicide prevention training. CAPS hired five HOPE (Huskers Offering Peer Education) Peer Educators to enhance student outreach and support.
CAPS continues to expand services through seamless integration with external providers. By connecting with CAPS, students can receive same-day appointments for new patients, brief consultations, in-person counseling, online counseling, and community referrals. Online counseling services are provided through a partnership with BetterMynd, which specializes in college student counseling. With a soft launch in the spring, 122 students registered, and 56 sessions have already been completed this semester with BetterMynd. Another partner, Protocall, extends service to 24/7 by offering high-quality crisis care. Last year, 516 after-hour calls were fielded by Protocall staff, and students were able to connect with a counselor when they needed it. CAPS staff conduct a follow-up to ensure the student is able to get local resources on campus.
The dedication of the CAPS team is making a measurable difference in student well-being.
At A Glance: SSD
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) has seen impressive growth this fall, with student registrations increasing by over 16%, reaching 1,438 students—a continuation of last year's record 26% rise. The most common accommodations continue to be for ADHD/ADD and mental health, making up over 62% of primary disabilities registered.
The demand for accommodations is also evident in the 30% increase in exams taken at SSD from Spring 2023 to Spring 2024.
To better serve East Campus students, especially those in professional programs, SSD introduced new office hours from 4-7 p.m. once a week.
141%
Incident reports received by Student Advocacy and Support (SAS) are up 40.5% compared to 2023 and up 141% compared to 2022.
74%
74% of primary referral concerns to SAS this year were categorized as a mental health concern, medical concern or financial concern.
77%
77% of Emergency Basic Needs requests were to utilize Emergency Funds. The largest demographic utilizing emergency funding for Q1 2024 were graduate students.
I have officially received clearance from my medical team to re-enroll in school from my previous medical withdrawal. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do and for not giving up on me and my academic journey, although it is far from conventional. I hope to graduate in the Spring of 2025. Thank you again for all you have done and continue to do for me. I am so beyond grateful.
What You Need To Know
Campus Connections Workshops
Navigating the Gray: Supporting Students with Mental Health Struggles
This session will address the current challenge of supporting students with mental health concerns. An overview of the resources available at CAPS and SSD will be provided. Recommendations on how and when to refer will be shared.
The following key challenges will be discussed:
- The increase in the mental health needs on college campuses
- Attendance concerns
- Student disclosures of their conditions
- Managing additional time demands effectively
Register for a Workshop
February 13, 3:00-4:00 p.m. - Nebraska Union, Platte River Room
February 19, 3:00-4:00 p.m. - Zoom
Post-election Stress Support
Faculty have several resources to support students experiencing post-election stress. Counseling & Psychological Services offers guidance and tools, including an online election response page and a downloadable Election Stress Kit, which provide strategies and tips for coping such as:
- Stay closely connected with supportive friends and family.
- Practice mindfulness/relaxation skills and get regular exercise to help manage your stress level.
- Set boundaries. Learning when to say "no" can help you take care of yourself.
- Watch your diet of media intake.
- Opt out of unproductive conversations. It is not necessary to talk about politics in all of your relationships.
- Book a "Let’s Talk" session.
Additionally, the Student Leadership, Involvement & Community Engagement has developed a Civil Discourse initiative and will host a Courageous Dialogue Workshop on November 20, where students are invited to participate in meaningful and transformative conversations. The workshop weaves concepts for discourse across differences and provides space to stimulate discussion around examining and exploring social and political norms, values, and beliefs.
Family & Friends Recognition Awards
The Family & Friends Recognition Awards annually recognizes faculty and staff who have made a significant difference in students' lives. The Parents Association solicits nominations asking parents, family and friends to nominate a faculty or staff member. Nominations include a short explanation of why this person was nominated.