Creating a supportive environment where every student can succeed is essential, but it also requires supporting educators. According to a 2023 RAND Report, 23% of teachers said they were likely to leave their jobs by the end of the 2022-23 school year. Teacher turnover K-12 workers have the highest burnout rate of any industry in the United States. A staggering 44% say they “always” or “very often” feel burned out at work, according to the 2022 Gallup Panel Workforce Study. College faculty and staff have the second highest rates, following at 35%. Specifically, the report states, “Within th ..read more

For students at Albion College in Michigan, the nearest psychiatrist is 25 miles away. That means students face an hour-long round trip for an appointment – if they can get one. First, they must go through a lengthy intake process or referral process before being assigned a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, many are “screened out” and turned away. Even if they get one, the wait time for an in-person psychiatry appointment nationally is often more than two months, according to a recent study by Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Few people have the time to wait or travel to such appointm ..read more

As we work to navigate the intricacies of daily life – amidst deadlines, responsibilities, and constant connectivity – prioritizing your health and well-being often takes a back seat. Yet, the connection between what we eat and how we feel mentally is gaining increasing attention. Just as our bodies need nourishment to thrive, our minds also require proper fuel to function optimally. Our diets not only impact our physical well-being but also play a significant role in our mental health. From combating stress and anxiety to boosting mood and cognitive function, nourishing our bodies properly ..read more

TimelyCare Student Success Coaching Q&A With Dr. Nicole Guerrero Trevino Vice President for Student Success LinkedIn Tell us about your career journey and dedication to student success in higher education.  I am a first-generation college student, whose parents instilled from a very young age the importance of a college education. My parents were very committed to ensuring that my sister and I had the opportunity to pursue an education. I attended St. Edward’s University where I studied psychology and was involved in various student organizations throughout my time on campus ..read more

With its mix of academic stress, social norms, and newfound autonomy, the collegiate environment can influence substance use behaviors. However, substance use among college students is associated with a variety of poor health and academic outcomes. Substance use among college and university students According to the Centers for Disease Control, substance use is defined as the use of “alcohol, tobacco products, drugs, inhalants, and other substances that can be consumed, inhaled, injected, or otherwise absorbed into the body with possible dependence and other detrimental effects.” Despite t ..read more

The ways in which we engage with those around us are shaped by our own unique lived experiences and identities. Now imagine those very characteristics that make us who we are inadvertently becoming obstacles to accessing health care. It’s a reality experienced every day by historically underrepresented and marginalized college students. These barriers are a significant roadblock that impacts students’ academic and personal health outcomes. Inclusive care delivery can help break down these barriers and provide students with the resources they need to thrive. By implementing actionable strat ..read more

College life often involves a whirlwind of new experiences, academic challenges, and personal growth. However, the pressures and transitions associated with higher education can negatively impact students’ mental health. According to a national survey of 1,200 college students entering the 2023-24 school year, peer support is the top way students plan to cope with stress and anxiety. Peer support serves as a crucial initial step in seeking help, effectively dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health care. Particularly beneficial for students grappling with loneliness and isolation, on ..read more

In the wake of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) era, federal emergency funds for higher education has concluded, but its impact endures on campuses across the country, as demonstrated in a recent Washington Post article. Connecticut State Colleges and Universities serve as a prime example, having used HEERF to expand access to much-needed 24/7 mental health services through TimelyCare for students at all 12 of its community colleges. The system transitioned to institutional funds when the federal emergency funding was no longer available, to ensure that crucial support pe ..read more

A lot is going on in the world today. The news and response on social media can feel overwhelming. With the compounding stress of politics, the pandemic, war abroad, violence, and tragedies at home, it’s no wonder mental health is suffering in America and rampantly among college students. The question is, how do we cope with the mental exhaustion of life in our evolving new normal? Watching the news or scrolling through social media exposes us to upsetting political developments, tragedies resulting from violence, accidents, and natural disasters that can compound distress. Whether we’ve be ..read more

Community colleges are vital in providing accessible higher education opportunities to diverse student populations in rural, suburban, and urban communities alike. In this blog post, we draw insights from Tidewater Community College leaders to outline five practical actions community colleges can implement to improve students’ mental health and overall well-being that support institutional efforts to boost student success. What is a community college? A community college is a two-year school, with open admissions, that offers reasonably priced higher education, often as a pathway to a four ..read more