By Edina Cappuccitti, College Advancement & External Relations Officer
For many college and university students, the end of a semester is fraught with anxiety as they work late into the evening to complete assignments and study for final exams. Not surprisingly, the last three weeks of a school semester have been identified as a particularly stressful time.
“We recognize that there are certain periods during the academic year that are more likely to engender stress in our students,” explains Catherine O’Rourke, Director of Student Success Services at Loyalist College. “Stress is often heightened during those periods because students are reluctant to take time away from their heavy workload to seek the support that would help facilitate their success. That’s why we decided to be proactive and bring a higher level of support directly to the students—where they are, and when they need it.”
That support comes in the form of two Student Mental Health Ambassadors (SMHAs) and a cart full of water and healthy, high-energy snacks.
“Research demonstrates that staying hydrated increases neuro-activity and helps to enhance cognitive ability,” said Catherine. “While handing out the much needed water, the SMHAs can check on students’ well-being and, if necessary, remind them of the support services that are available through the Student Success Centre.”
The program, which has been in place for three semesters, is described by Catherine as a “just-in-time” model that has the ambassadors reaching out to students and encouraging positive self-care. Three evenings each week during exams, they pushed their refreshment cart around the Loyalist campus halls, library, and labs—anywhere students may congregate—and made sure the students were hydrated and fed.
“It’s an extra level of support that we provide to our students; an extra set of eyes at a time when people may need some extra encouragement,” Catherine said.
When hiring for the Student Mental Health Ambassador role, Student Success Services looked for students who had positive peer relationships as well as some extra level of skill. The ambassadors include a university grad with significant experience and maturity who has returned to school to fast track through Loyalist’s Child and Youth Worker program, and an international student who understands the unique problems that international or new immigrant students may be struggling with.
The ambassadors reached out to all students and worked to build relationships that allowed them to begin a conversation that focused on self-care. This approach often provided them with an opportunity to encourage students who may be struggling, to access the many support services that are available on campus. Since the program was introduced in Spring 2011, there has been an increase in the number of students taking advantage of support services, and testimonials received from grateful students are filled with appreciation for the needed boost of energy provided by the refreshments, and the pleasant hospitality of the Student Mental Health Ambassadors.
“It’s a low-cost, high impact program,” said Catherine O’Rourke. “We want to provide a comprehensive circle of care for our students at Loyalist College, and this program lets students know that their success is our success.”