A student raising his hand to ask a question.
Students play a crucial role in higher education as they are the ones actively engaged in learning. According to a 2024 report on HelpfulProfessor.com, students are the vested group that are doing the learning. They are not only paying for their education but also living on campus and directly impacted by educational policies and regulations. Despite being the most important stakeholders on campus, there is often a disconnect between students and decision-makers such as university administrators and politicians. Many students may struggle to engage with these decision-makers effectively, while decision-makers seek more meaningful interactions with students. To address this gap, a group of students from over 50 colleges and universities across 18 states have come together to form The Coalition for Student Wellbeing (C4SW).
Exploring The Coalition For Student Wellbeing
The C4SW is a student-led organization focused on bridging the gap between students and decision-makers through advocacy, collaboration, and education. The Executive Director, Carson Domey, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, founded the organization following the loss of a friend to suicide in 2018. Carson’s dedication to advocating for mental health policies and resources led to the creation of the Coalition for Student Wellbeing, aiming to create a healthier future for students. The organization consists of highly engaged students in the Council on Student Wellbeing and a larger group in the grassroots coalition, along with an advisory board comprising university administrators, health industry leaders, state officials, and non-profit staff members.
Initiatives by The Coalition For Student Wellbeing
In the Fall of 2024, students from the C4SW participated in a roundtable discussion at the White House focusing on youth mental health and raising awareness about mental health resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The organization is currently working on a resource toolkit to empower students to advocate for including 988 on their student ID cards. Additionally, they aim to develop a guide for parents and students to navigate mental health care during the transition to college.
Insights on Campus Mental Health from C4SW Members
One council member, Audrey Schlotter from Oregon State University, highlighted the disconnect between student experiences and decision-makers’ understanding of current challenges in college life. Another member, Shriya Garg from the University of Georgia, emphasized the importance of peer support programs and the unique perspective that students bring to mental health advocacy. Carson Domey encourages collaboration and engagement from all stakeholders in the student mental health space to drive positive change.
