Universities brace for rise in student mental health issues

Universities are bracing themselves for a sharp increase in the number of students suffering mental health problems. Given the turmoil of recent months, the lingering health threat and students being largely confined to their rooms, vice-chancellors are promising more support than ever, writes Will Hazell for iNews.

Professor Liz Barnes, the vice-chancellor of Staffordshire University, told i: “Everybody is conscious that the lockdown has had a huge impact on mental health.” Like other universities, Barnes said Staffordshire would have staff on campus 24 hours a day “keeping an eye” on individuals who might be struggling. She said the support had started before the beginning of term, with the university holding a “transition event” for some students with additional needs, allowing them to spend time with family members or carers on campus “to settle in and to understand how we would operate”.

Universities are also making smart use of data to identify students who might be in trouble. Professor George Holmes, the vice-chancellor of Bolton University, told i his institution monitored metrics such as library use, class attendance, online log-ins to access course materials, and whether assignments were completed on time, to provide a traffic light early warning system.
Full report on the iNews site