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12.5 Student Mental Health Policy

12.5 Student Mental Health Policy

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This online version is for convenience; the official version of this policy is housed in the University Secretariat. In case of discrepancy between the online version and the official version held by the Secretariat, the official version shall prevail.

Approving Authority: President and Vice-Chancellor

Original Approval Date: January 6, 2025

Date of Most Recent Review/Revision: N/A

Office of Accountability: Vice-President, Student Affairs

Administrative Responsibility: Dean of Students Office

1.00 Purpose

1.01 The purpose of this policy is to promote and support the mental health of Students while providing clear pathways to care and resources.

1.02 Wilfrid Laurier University (“Laurier” or “University”) is committed to fostering student well-being across the entire university. This policy establishes clear and accessible programs, initiatives, and resources to support mental health. It adopts a holistic approach to mental health care, emphasizing inclusivity and the promotion of a supportive culture.

2.00 Definitions

2.01 Holistic: characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.

2.02 Members of the University Community: persons who currently live, work, or study (in person or online) at any Laurier campus or location. Members include Students (including Student groups), employees, adjunct and visiting faculty, and volunteers at Laurier.

2.03 Mental Health: a person’s condition regarding their psychological and emotional well-being.

2.04 Mental Health Supports: programs, resources, and services available for Students to book, register, and participate in to learn how to manage feelings of stress and anxiety, or support in crisis to prioritize their well-being, safety, and positive Mental Health.

2.05 Student(s): an individual registered in a course of study as a student at the University, either full-time or part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or non-degree certificate programs.

2.06 Whole Campus Approach: approach ensuring Mental Health Support is integrated across all student supports. Students can receive compassion and guidance from any department, fostering a culture of care and collaboration to promote well-being and resilience.

3.00 Jurisdiction/Scope

3.01 This policy applies to all Members of the University Community.

4.00 Policy

4.01 The University is committed to a Whole Campus Approach to Mental Health, ensuring a coordinated and inclusive effort to support Student well-being. This approach requires all Members of the University Community to actively contribute to connecting Students with appropriate Mental Health Supports. The Student Mental Health Framework (insert link here once published) includes detailed information, resources, and guidelines to assist all Members of the University Community in accessing and referring students to university supports and resources. Please reference Procedures (to be linked once created) to learn more about resources for faculty and staff.

4.02 To this end, the University:

a. Offers accessible services, programs, and workshops to support the Mental Health needs of Students and to ensure timely intervention; and

b. Creates resources to directly support Students experiencing Mental Health challenges and Members of the University Community who are looking to support these Students. These resources are intended to create an environment across the university that prioritizes well-being, reduces stigma, and promotes a culture of care. This collective effort ensures a consistent and effective response to Mental Health needs across all areas of the Student experience.

4.03 The University actively recognizes and understands that individual Students have diverse and unique needs and aims to provide a range of equitable, inclusive, and accessible services that will meet these unique needs with appropriate support and care.

5.00 Privacy and Confidentiality

5.01 The University is committed to protecting Student’s privacy. The University shall collect and use Personal Health Information only with a Student’s consent or as required by law, and solely for the purpose it was obtained or in accordance with relevant legislation. For more on how the information is protected at the Student Wellness Centre, visit the Student Wellness Centre Privacy Statement. To learn more about Laurier’s broader privacy policies, visit the Privacy Protection and Information Access Policy.

6.00 Student Mental Health Services and Supports

6.01 Comprehensive Mental Health services and supports are available to all Students at Wilfrid Laurier University with in-person and online options, including coordinated support for elevated challenges, multidisciplinary support through the Student Wellness Centre, and 24/7 access to external resources to support Students seeking guidance or in crisis. Academic accommodations, and tailored resources ensure equitable and accessible support for all students, addressing diverse needs and promoting well-being across the institution. For a complete list of services and how to access them, please visit Find Your Support Resource.

6.02 Resources available to faculty and staff are directly linked to the Student Mental Health Framework (insert link once published) to support faculty and staff in referring and triaging students in crisis or seeking mental health support. Please reference Procedures (to be linked once created) for detailed instruction on accessing faculty and staff resources.

7.00 Holistic Wellness Supports

7.01 A range of wellness supports are available to Students to address mental, physical, financial and social well-being. These include resources such as athletics and recreation, financial coaching, food access initiatives, transition support to help undergraduate and graduate Students navigate university life, academic and career advising, and cultural engagement opportunities. For a detailed overview of these supports and how to access them, please visit Laurier Student Life.

8.00 Amplifying the Student Voice

8.01 Student associations play a key role in promoting Mental Health and well-being. The Students’ Union supports undergraduates with advocacy, wellness resources, and student-led initiatives, while the Graduate Students’ Association offers tailored wellness programs, academic support, and community-building resources for graduate Students.

9.00 Mental Health Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

9.01 An inclusive environment is fostered through specialized support for equity-deserving Students. The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CSEDI) offers resources for gender, sexuality, race, culture, and spirituality, while dedicated services support Black and racialized Students, Indigenous Students, and International Students with tailored programs, staff, and spaces to meet their unique needs.

10.00 Student Engagement Opportunities

10.01 Support for Student well-being is provided through events, training programs, and peer-to-peer support. Peer-to-peer programs across various departments help Students connect with resources, navigate challenges, and build community. Training opportunities provide Students with practical skills for Mental Health and resilience, supporting both academic and personal success.

11.00 Community of Care

11.01 External resources play a crucial role in supporting Student well-being by offering specialized care and services beyond the university. These resources complement Laurier’s supports, helping Students navigate challenges and access the care they need. By connecting Students to a wider network of Mental Health services, these external supports promote resilience, Mental Health, and overall success.

12.00 Monitoring and Review

12.01 A report will be submitted to the Board of Governors every year on the implementation and effectiveness of this Policy in the preceding year. Reports will be available on the University’s website.

Relevant Legislation

Related Policies, Procedures and Documents

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