Supporting the Whole Student at IU Indianapolis

It’s the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Per research at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the current annual cost of addressing mental health challenges in the US is $282 billion.  At IU Indianapolis, our goal is to ensure that we support our students inside and outside the classroom.

This spring, I had the opportunity of hearing from the Chancellor’s Student Mental Health Council and the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board, as they shared the findings from their year-long research projects. Their presentations were thoughtful, data-driven, and focused on action. Most importantly, they reminded us of the importance of listening to our students.

The Chancellor’s Student Mental Health Council focused on two areas this year:

Bridging the Gap: Student Access to IU Mental Health Resources

This project explored the barriers students face in accessing mental health services on campus. Recommendations include actions for all of us – as faculty members, we can remind students through materials available on Canvas of the on-campus resources we offer to support our students, as staff, we can help point students and each other to the resources available to support each other.

Mental Health Matters and Faculty Make the Difference

This research explored the important role faculty play in recognizing and responding to student mental health concerns. Through surveys and focus groups, the team identified the need for more consistent training, clear referral processes, and shared tools to help faculty feel confident in providing support.

Members of the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board also presented timely research focused on improving the student experience at IU Indianapolis:

Campus Study Spaces

This team gathered input from more than 200 students to assess the availability and effectiveness of study spaces across campus. Their findings emphasize the need for more seating, whiteboards, and quiet areas, along with better promotion of existing resources through email and social media.

Sense of Belonging

As IU Indianapolis moves forward following the realignment with Purdue, more than 120 students shared ideas to help all Jaguars, especially new and transfer students, feel welcomed and connected. Their research calls for more visible peer support, intentional campus programming, and messaging that reflects the diversity of our community.

These presentations are more than academic exercises. This summer, Vice Chancellor Eric Weldy will bring together campus leaders who attended the sessions to create a plan of action for next steps.

To every student who participated in these efforts, thank you. Your voices are helping us build a stronger and more connected IU Indianapolis, together.

Go Jags!

Latha Ramchand
Chancellor